Peckham-based meadery, Gosnells Drinks, has announced the acquisition of John the Unicorn (JTU) from the Portobello Pub Group, marking the company's second venue in South London.
Under the new ownership, all existing JTU staff will remain in place and the venue will keep its name. Gosnells founder Tom Gosnell said: "It's part of the fabric of Rye Lane. We love how the unicorn - something mythical, unique and just a bit unordinary - fits perfectly with Gosnells' left-of-centre view of the world.
"We want to lean into what makes John the Unicorn iconic, while weaving in the Gosnells DNA, moments of unexpected delight, a bit of playfulness, and that feeling that you've stumbled into somewhere rare and prized."
The venue will serve up a pizza menu alongside Gosnells' Honey Nectars, cocktails, wine, beer and low-ABV pours. Events - from live music events and local collaborations - are also on the cards.
The company has appointed Chris McGovern, formerly of The Number Group in Hackney Wick, as head of Gosnells retail to oversee the expansion. Plans include extending opening hours and introducing daytime café service with coffee, pastries and locally sourced lunches, catering to remote workers.
Richard Stringer, managing director of the Portobello Pub Company, said: "We have loved our time with John the Unicorn, but it is exciting to see it gain a new lease of life with a truly locally rooted business."
The operator, who has worked with Gosnells for several years, will now knuckle down on its refurbishment programme, which will continue in the next few weeks at No 32 in Clapham and Westow House in Crystal Palace.
Gosnells' Sales and Marketing Director, Cameron McKenzie-Wilde, said: "We're proud of how Gosnells has grown alongside changes and trends in consumer behaviour towards a more balanced lifestyle, especially considering the overall challenges in the drinks and hospitality industries.
"John the Unicorn gives us the Peckham home we have been looking for and enables us to reach more consumers and grow our community even further. We're looking forward to the next few months as we grow John the Unicorn into a destination venue for drinks, food, and experiences in South London."
Founded in 2014, Gosnells brews its Honey Nectars, low-ABV sparkling drinks inspired by craft beer and mead, in Peckham.
John the Unicorn will join Gosnells' Bermondsey Bar as a flagship site, with more venues expected to follow in 2026.
Gosnell added: "As both a brand and business, we strongly believe in 'by Peckham, for Peckham' so there's an extra layer of pride that we're taking over such a storied space in our own backyard. And that we get to share it with the community who's supported us from the start."
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