Club founder's £40m bid

Jongleurs founder Maria Kempinska says she is ready to buy back the club chain from owners Regent Inns.

She sold the business for £8.5 million in 2000, but told the Mail on Sunday that she expects to pay up to £40million for it now.

Regent expanded the empire she set up, and it now boasts 16 venues across the UK.

But the pub chain recently signalled its whole company - which also includes the Walkabout pubs and Old Orleans restaurants - could be up for sale.

Kempinska's husband and business partner John Davy said: 'Regent Inns chairman Bob Ivell will be told on Monday about us wishing to take back our brand.’

The couple kept control of the brand name, but not the venues, under the 2000 deal, and have continued to manage the chain for Regent.

Kempinska told The Mail on Sunday: 'I reckon the clubs must be worth £30 to £40 million. We will soon be finding an operational partner in the food or beverage industry and mount our bid. Once I have full control I intend to expand the brand.’

Kempinska set up the first Jongleurs in Battersea, South London, in 1983, when she was still a drama teacher.

Published: 14 Oct 2007