Poppleston Allen

History and Founding

Poppleston Allen was founded in 1994 by Jeremy Allen and Susanna Poppleston, two solicitors who identified a gap in the market for a specialist licensing law firm. The practice quickly established itself as a go-to adviser for the hospitality and leisure sectors, growing from a small Nottingham office into the UK's largest licensing boutique. The firm's authoritative status was cemented by the publication of Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Law (co-authored with Professor Colin Manchester in 2005, second edition 2008), which remains a key reference in the field.

Services and Specialisms

The firm's tightly focused practice areas include alcohol licensing, entertainment licensing, betting and gaming, food hygiene, health and safety, regulatory compliance, and planning. It handles an exceptionally high volume of work—over 8,000 applications each year—covering premises licence applications, variations, temporary event notices, licensing hearings, and reviews. Poppleston Allen also provides specialist gambling advice, having assisted casinos, bookmakers, online operators, manufacturers, and software developers since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force. In addition to legal representation, the firm offers personal licence training through a separate entity, Poppleston Allen Training Limited (company number 06793004).

Market Position and Clients

Poppleston Allen acts for a wide spectrum of clients, from single-site independents to some of the biggest names in hospitality and leisure. Its client roster includes Wagamama, Hilton Hotels, Vue Cinemas, Tenpin, Gauselmann Group, JD Wetherspoon, Mitchells & Butlers, Stonegate Pub Company, Deliveroo, and Paddy Power Betfair. The firm also advises ultra-high-end property developers, sports stadiums, outdoor music events, and private member clubs. Its reputation for advocacy is consistently recognised by Chambers & Partners, which ranks both the founders and the practice at the top of the market.

Business Model and Revenue

As a partnership structured as an ABS (Alternative Business Structure) regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID 78244), Poppleston Allen generates revenue through legal fees for licensing applications, hearings, and compliance advice. Additional income streams come from training courses, corporate due-diligence support on M&A deals, and consultancy work for government and trade associations. The firm also sponsors awards at major pub industry events and raises funds for charity through property forums, further embedding itself in the leisure industry ecosystem.

Regulatory and Industry Engagement

The firm is deeply involved in shaping licensing regulation, advising central Government, trade associations, and local authorities on policy and reform. It is a regular contributor to national trade press and speaks at industry events, reinforcing its thought leadership. Poppleston Allen's commitment to the sector extends to sponsoring events and providing educational resources for licensees.

Recent Developments and Leadership

While the founding partners are no longer actively leading the firm (Jeremy Allen is believed to be deceased or retired, and Susanna Poppleston's current status is unclear), the practice continues under a partnership model. Recent partner appointments include David [surname unknown], who joined in 2015, qualified as a solicitor in 2018, and became a partner in 2023. However, no current CEO, COO, or other C-suite executives have been publicly confirmed. The firm maintains a team of approximately 62 staff members, operating from its Nottingham headquarters and London office.