Top 50 Gastropub licensee buys pub from Wadworth for six-figure sum
Number 47 on the Top 50 list, the South Wraxall, Wiltshire, pub prides itself on being a beautiful country pub that serves cask ale and fresh, seasonal food in a relaxed environment with warm and friendly service.
The pub has also been awarded a Bib Gourmand for the past five years and retained the accolade this year.
Buying the pub from Wiltshire-based pub group Wadworth means Allcock can now buy his beer, wine and spirits from wherever he likes.
Fully tied tenants
He told The Morning Advertiser: “We have been trying to do it for two years and when it came through, we had to keep it under wraps but it all came to an end last Thursday. We announced it to the locals in what was quite an emotional evening.
“We were with Wadworth as fully tied tenants. Buying the pub outright is probably the best thing we have done since being here over the past six years.”
He outlined how no longer being tied will mean customers can expect so much more from the pub’s drinks offer.
“It is so nice to be able now to buy beer, wines and spirits from whoever we want to. Our wine list has gone from 15 to 60 and now we can use the suppliers we want, we can get the quality in too,” he added.
Looking ahead
Allcock also outlined the future plans for the pub: “We can start refurbishing the pub. Eventually we will add rooms on. Things like the windows need replacing, we want to update and modernise it, but still keep it in character with the Grade II-listing.”
“I am buzzing and on top of the world. Before we were landlords but now, I really am a chef-patron and now we can push the business forward how we want to.
“We can get wines to match our food, we can buy beer from small, independent brewers to match our food, it’s just so exciting. This is the next chapter, the page has turned and we can just move on now.”
