Famed British soap pub struggles to find buyer
Emmerdale's famous Woolpack pub does not seem to be exciting pub buyers.
The Woolpack, which has been featured in the TV soap for over 25 years, is famous for falling on pub chef Marlon's wife Trisha and killing her in a torrential storm as well as being the home to various barmaids and licensees over the years.
However, the pub's fame does not seem to be helping licensee Brian Pickard sell the lease.
The pub, which is situated in Esholt - a small village in the Aire Valley just outside Bradford - has been on the market for almost four months. Despite being advertised in the local and national press and a major property agent, it has failed to sell.
While the soap is now filmed on a purpose-built set on the Harewood estate near Leeds, Esholt still attracts thousands of fans and tourists every year. And there are rumours that the soap could be coming back to film at the village and pub.
Coachloads of foreign tourists wowed by the sights of the Yorkshire Dales also regularly stop off for a look and a pint.
Licensee Brian Pickard said he is shocked that the famous pub where he has been licensee for six years is not attracting more interest. The pub is free-of-tie and is up for sale for £150,000 with a rent of £25,000 a year.
"I've had people from Finland and Sweden visit this week. We had 360 coachloads of people from one company alone this year," he said. "It doesn't make sense."
Brian added that the pub is wet-led, although he believes any new licensees could capitalise by introducing food and converting the pool room back into a restaurant area. Christie & Co, the agent handling the sale, reported that there had been some interest, but no firm buyers had come forward as yet.
Andrew Spencer, negotiator for Christie & Co's Leeds office, said: "We are certainly getting some interest but no offers yet. Some businesses sell quickly and others don't. It's just one of those things.
"It's an excellent business in a superb location that could provide a good income for a committed couple or individual with increased turnover and profits," he added. "All in all a one-off opportunity."
