Punch has completed the purchase of 30 pubs from brewer-and-pub operator McMullen.

Punch, which operates 1,300 pubs, said the new sites “boast strong trading histories, distinctive heritage and established positions at the heart of their local communities”.

The pubco said the deal represents “a small but strategically important” addition to the Punch Pubs estate bolstering its presence across Hertfordshire and Essex.

Punch’s James Croft said: “We’re delighted to have completed the acquisition of these pubs from McMullen’s.

“This is a fantastic collection of pubs with real heritage, strong community roots and proven operators running them day to day, and we look forward to welcoming them into the Punch family.

“Our focus remains on long-term partnerships, investing in our pubs and supporting our publicans and management partners to help their businesses succeed as we work towards being the five-star pub company.”

McMullen, which still operates 70 pubs, said the future stewardship of the pubs and their publicans was central to its decision-making.