Board

2012

Business Outlook

Case Studies

White Horse, Norfolk

Paper Makers Arms, Kent

As the name suggests, the distinctive Paper Makers Arms in Maidstone was originally believed to be a papermaker’s property and was converted into a public house in 1787. The blue-tiled property is one of the oldest pubs in Maidstone but it closed in April 2011. Fortunately, Christie + Co identified a well-known London operator as a suitable buyer and he plans to refurbish the property and reopen it as a traditional ale and whisky house with bed and breakfast rooms above.

Christie + Co sold a Grade II-Listed pub in the village of South Lopham, in Norfolk, to an experienced local operator. The sale of the White Horse is one of a number of transactions in 2011 that turned closed pubs back into trading freehouses.

Ye Olde Inne, South Gloucestershire

Travellers Rest, Shropshire

The Travellers Rest in Shropshire operated as a pub/restaurant until its closure in November 2010. The sale of the prominently located pub, which is located on the A49 between Craven Arms and Church Stretton, attracted plenty of interest and was viewed by more than 30 potential buyers. Following a formal bidding process, the pub was sold to local entrepreneurs and well-known publicans who intend to run it as a destination inn. There are also plans to develop the land around the property into a camping and caravan facility.

When the proprietor of Ye Olde Inne, Westerleigh retired after 33 years running the business, Christie + Co sold the characterful property to the great-great-great granddaughter of a previous innkeeper! Parts of the pub, which sits on the edge of the Cotswolds, date back to the 13th century but the main building is 17th century and there have been some later additions. The leasehold interest in the pub was acquired in August 2011 by Wayne Fitt and Adrienne Fitt- Williams, who have since been busy refurbishing the property to widen its community appeal. They even intend to apply for permission to convert part of it into a small village shop, stocking essential items and local produce. Adrienne’s great-great-great grandfather Elam Gibbs was Innkeeper at the pub (then known as the Kings Arms) from 1856 until his death in 1895.

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