A popular drinking spot has changed hands in a pub group's expansion across the country.

The Wheatsheaf at Albert Street in Slough has been under Fuller's brewery for a number of years.

It has now been announced that Admiral Taverns have acquired The Wheatsheaf alongside 36 other pubs in the south east - bringing their total to 300 pubs in the region and 1,420 UK wide.

Admiral is one of the UK's leading community pub groups, owned by real estate private equity firm Proprium Capital Partners.

The deal between Admiral and Fuller, Smith & Turner P.L.C has cost £18.3 million.

Admiral has previously had a strong track record of acquiring pubs and over the past 12 months has invested £39 million across its portfolio.

Investments have ranged from major interior and exterior refurbishments, through to innovative sustainability upgrades to many individual pubs.

Chris Jowsey, CEO of Admiral Taverns commented: “I’m delighted to welcome our new licensees to the Admiral team.

"Recent years have seen Admiral build a strong track record in delivering profitable growth across our estate, underpinned by continuous targeted investment to unlock new opportunities, supporting community pubs to thrive.

"As 2024 Community Pub Operator of the Year, we look forward to working with licensees to develop their brand range and consumer offer to people in their local neighbourhood.

"Our focus on helping licensees to maximise the revenue potential of their pub will help them to build their business, whilst providing a vibrant social amenity for their community."

Current tenant and manager of The Wheatsheaf, Leonard Gibson, has been at the helm since 2011.

While trade faced a slump throughout the pandemic, Leonard said regulars "came back in droves" once the pub reopened.

However rising costs have impacted the pub - like many in the area.

The Wheatsheaf does not have a food offering but shows sport fixtures on screens in the pub.

READ MORE: Why are so many pubs in Slough closing down or struggling?

Chris Jowsey added: “Despite the complexities of the macro-economic environment, across our estate we are seeing community pubs, and specifically wet-led establishments, maintaining their popularity amongst locals as people continue to enjoy going out for an affordable treat with family and friends.

"Wet-led, community pubs have demonstrated real resilience over recent times, and we remain optimistic that our nurturing ethos, entrepreneurial licensees and high-quality estate continues to position the Group well to be at the forefront of opportunities in our wider market.”