TWO pubs have been saved from closure following a buyout deal after their owner went into administration.
The Pembroke, in Coulsdon, and The Rectory, in Purley, have both been bought by Stonegate Pub Company after The Bramwell Pub Company was placed into administration late last month.
About 35 of Bramwell's 185 pubs across the country have been closed due to the administration, including The Pilgrim in Caterham.
A spokesman for Stonegate said: "We can confirm that The Pembroke in Coulsdon and The Rectory in Purley are two of the 78 pubs acquired from the administrator of the Bramwell Pub Company.
"We are delighted to have acquired these fantastic sites along with securing the jobs within the premises.
He added: "We look forward to welcoming the team to the company and successfully operating the businesses."
The buyout has saved 17 jobs at The Pembroke, in Chipstead Valley Road, and 19 at The Rectory, in Brighton Road, the spokesman added.
The company has also bought Old Bank in High Street, Sutton, saving another 13 jobs.
Stonegate runs several venues in Croydon, including The Wattenden Arms, in Kenley, The Green Dragon, Reflex, Yates's and The Goose, all in the town centre.
Charles King, chairman of the East Coulsdon Residents' Association, said The Pembroke's future without Bramwell had looked shaky before Stonegate stepped in.
He said: "The receiver was looking for buyers and they were allowed to keep trading.
"But at the Pembroke one night last week they had lager but no real ale.
"We are all very pleased about Stonegate stepping in.
"The Pembroke is a nice pub and we like it and we hope they don't make too many changes.
"In general we like it as it is and we hope they don't put up the prices."
The Pembroke was formerly a Co-op supermarket, reversing today's trend of pubs being turned into convenience stores.
The Bramwell Pub Company reportedly went into administration due to cash flow problems, with Stonegate said to have bought the best-performing sites.
Stonegate describes itself as an "innovative and passionate team with big ambitions for the future."
