One of the largest pub companies in the UK, who own several pubs in Cambridgeshire, has defended its position after the GMB Union warned of "nearly 300" Stonegate pubs in the East of England risking closure.

Stonegate Pub Partners runs several pubs across Cambridgeshire, including the Market Inn in Huntingdon, the Kings Arms Ely, Ye Olde Griffin Hotel in March, Embassy in Peterborough, and the Black Bull in Whittlesey.

It also has brands like Slug and Lettuce under its belt - one of which is in Cambridge.

Across the East of England, there are 293 Stonegate pubs.

However, Nadine Houghton, a national officer at the GMB Union, recently claimed that these pubs "are in serious danger of pulling their last pint."

The union also claimed that the company have issued a profit warning, saying that "it struggles to refinance a £2.2bn debt mountain."

Newsquest approached Stonegate Pub Partners with this information from the GMB Union.

A spokesperson for Stonegate said that the company "has not issued a profit warning."

In response, the company said: "We have been very clear that we continue to work towards achieving our long-term balance sheet goals, with the successful refinancing of a portion of our estate in December marking a significant strategic step towards this.

"We would also like to assure our employees and partners that no venues are at risk as a result of this process."

Two Stonegate pubs in Huntingdonshire have recently closed their doors - The White Horse in Eaton Socon, and The Stukeley Country Hotel in Great Stukeley.

Great Stukeley villagers are now taking steps to get the pub to be listed as an Asset of Community Value to save it from ruin.

Click here to find out the Cambs Stonegate pubs near you.

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