The Regal, JD Wetherspoon, Gloucester

MLC & CO. were commissioned by JD Wetherspoon to conduct an aerial inspection of The Regal, a high-footfall pub located in Gloucester city centre.
The inspection formed part of a routine maintenance programme after the pub manager reported water ingress in multiple areas — most notably on the southern elevation, where leaks were short-circuiting internal lighting. Initial concerns focused on a recently installed glass-roof conservatory as the potential source.

MLC & CO. carried out a detailed UAV survey, concentrating on the suspected problem areas — including the conservatory roof, corrugated sheet roofing, and adjacent flat roof sections. Both high-resolution photography and video footage were used to assess the building envelope.

The aerial inspection found no visible defects in the glass roof structure, which was thoroughly reviewed using a high-powered zoom camera to ensure accuracy without requiring close physical access. However, the survey identified vegetation growth around guttering, posing a risk of long-term structural damage if left unmanaged. Additionally, standing water on flat roof sections was recorded — a potential contributor to future deterioration if not addressed.

The findings enabled the client to rule out the suspected cause of the leaks, prioritise maintenance actions, and avoid unnecessary repairs — saving time and cost. The final report included annotated images and recommendations to support planned follow-up work.