Red Mist Leisure sells pub to Shepherd Neame

The Wheatsheaf, in Farnham, Surrey, will change hands on 3 October.

Brewer Shepherd Neame said it would retain all current staff at the town centre pub.

Since its opening in November 2013, the Wheatsheaf has garnered a strong reputation for affordable pints and high-quality meals.

Re-investment of funds

Its pubco said it would reinvest funds from the sale, which was an undisclosed amount, across its existing portfolio of nine sites and into continuing an expansion of the business.

Red Mist will also open a new site, the Wellington Arms, in Stratfield Turgis, Hampshire, early next year.

Red Mist Leisure managing director Mark Robson said it was sad to sell the pub but wished its buyer success.

Fantastic heritage

He said: “While we are sad to be leaving the bustling market town of Farnham after nearly six years, we are delighted that Shepherd Neame will be taking over at the Wheatsheaf.

“As Britain’s oldest brewer they have a fantastic heritage and reputation in our industry, and hold very similar values to the ones we aspire to at Red Mist Leisure and we wish them every success."

Shepherd Neame director of retail & tenanted operations Nigel Bunting added: “We are delighted to be increasing our representation of high-quality pubs in Surrey with the acquisition of such a strong site and look forward to welcoming customers old and new to the Wheatsheaf.”

• Interested in running a pub? You can find out more about pubs for sale, lease and tenancy on the MA’s property site​.