Why food-led inn is truly one in a million
A renowned food-led pub in Devon has changed hands off an asking price of £1m. The Five Bells Inn in the village of Clyst Hydon, near Cullumpton, has been run by Charles and Angela Hume-Smith, Robin Bean and Mark Riddick, who, since purchasing the property in 1991, have established an enviable reputation for food, which is supported by listings in many national pub and restaurant guides. The four partners are now moving on Charles and Angela are retiring and Robin and Mark are looking for a smaller business. The new owner of the Five Bells Inn is experienced restaurateur Roger Shenton from Ottery St Mary, Devon. The pub is a 16th-century, Grade-II listed, thatched and cob "Devon Longhouse" set in nearly two acres. It has an "olde worlde" atmosphere with inglenook fireplaces, exposed beams and a "longbarn". It has a main bar, lounge bar and 50-cover restaurant. There is also a commercial kitchen, four-bedroom owner's accommodation arranged as two suites, stable block, paddock, lawned gardens and car park. The property changed hands through Christie & Co. Michael Easton of the company's Exeter office, who negotiated the sale, said: "We are delighted to have sold this renowned, food-led inn where catering accounts for approximately 65% of the trade. "The Five Bells Inn really is a property of immense character and has a fantastic regional reputation. With Roger Shenton's experience as a restaurateur, I am sure the business can only go from strength to strength.
