Greggs. From bakery to bar.
Greggs has opened a pub, and it signals how the sausage roll giant is overtaking global giants like McDonald's and Subway. It's a value brand moving into the experience economy.
THE GIST ON GREGGS: "Familiar, local"
What has Greggs done?
It has opened the Golden Flake Tavern in Newcastle, a pop up serving sausage roll mash, steak bake mixed grills and Greggs themed beers. It's part of a bigger expansion: Greggs now has more outlets in the UK than McDonald's, and while Subway is shrinking, Greggs is growing.
Why is Greggs winning?
It has become Britain's most resilient food brand by doubling down on what feels authentically British. While some global chains are branded corporate and faceless, Greggs plays the opposite: familiar, local and grounded in everyday culture.
Why a pub?
Huw reads it as taking that brand comfort and turning it into a shared experience. Value brands are moving into the experience economy, selling collective moments, not just food. If Greggs can go from bakery to bar, it challenges the notion that only premium players can win on experience.
Would you drink in a Greggs pub?
Your take. One tap, then see how everyone else voted.
Quick answers
What is the Golden Flake Tavern?
A Greggs pop up pub in Newcastle serving sausage roll mash, steak bake mixed grills and Greggs themed beers.
Does Greggs have more outlets than McDonald's?
In the UK, yes, according to Huw.
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