Case Studies
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.
Paper Makers Arms, Kent
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.
Travellers Rest, Shropshire
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.
White Horse, Norfolk
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.
Ye Olde Inne, South Gloucestershire
26
Business Outlook
2012
