PROPERTY ROUND-UP
BrewDog to open UK's largest pub, RedCat expands portfolio, countryside pubs get revamped
West Sussex coaching inn off market
Fleurets has announced the sale of the freehold of Swan in Fittleworth near Pulborough, West Sussex.
The freehold of the Grade II listed coaching inn was on the market at a guide price of £1,250,000 plus VAT.
The two storey property, which dates back to the 15th century, has been closed since 2020 and is finally due to reopen under leadership of operator Angus Davies.
He said: “I am thrilled to announce following the success at the Hollist Arms in Lodsworth I will be taking over the Swan Inn, Fittleworth.
“I have been touched by so many messages of support and well wishes already and I am determined to create a wonderful pub with community at its heart for everyone to enjoy, whether you are local or visitor.
“While there is much work to be done over the next few months, I am excited to be taking an active part in the sympathetic refurbishment of the building including, with luck, the plan to reinstate the iconic picture room.
“I will be building on the outstanding success of a Bib Gourmand awarded while at the Hollist and the focus will continue to be on simple and seasonal food. We will also have the addition of beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms so that visitors can truly enjoy the atmosphere on offer.
“To support my vision I will require equally dedicated and passionate staff. There is accommodation available to attract the very best talent.”
Kilsby inn reopens with new look after 3 years
Traditional village pub the George at Kilsby, West Northamptonshire is due to open its doors on Monday 25 July after being closed for three years.
The pub has undergone a complete overhaul, and now offers Indian-inspired dishes alongside pub favourites such as burgers, wood-fired pizzas and grills.
At the helm will be accomplished Midlands-based chef Hari Shankararkrishnamurthy, who takes over following a £330,000 investment by Star Pub & Bars and has aspirations to make the venue a destination restaurant.
The George has also been given a full renovation by Concept Design. Floral patterns, teal blue tones and copper accents have been added to the interior. Original features like the parquet floor and Elizabethan-style windows, gables and chimneys have also been renovated.
The interior has been restructured to allow for a central bar. Shankararkrishnamurthy said: “When I first saw the George I knew it was the perfect place to open my first restaurant and I’m delighted to have the support of Star Pubs & Bars, who have seen the pub’s potential to become a serious restaurant.
“I know there has been a lot of love for the George in the past from local residents and those further afield and I can’t wait to open the doors and provide an experience worth waiting for.”
BrewDog to launch UK’s largest pub next month
Craft beer brewer and operator BrewDog will open its biggest ever venue next month (August).
Within the newly redeveloped The Sidings in Waterloo Station, BrewDog Waterloo is believed to be the UK's largest pub at 27,500 sq ft and is billed as an immersive craft beer destination.
Located beneath the major London station's rail platforms, the venue will feature co-working spaces and pods, a micro brewery, a GRIND café, duckpin bowling alleys, podcast studio, meeting rooms, not-for-profit floristry, a retro ice-cream van and a ‘hidden’ cocktail bar.
The latter will be run by London mixologist Rich Woods, aka The Cocktail Guy.
“This is our new flagship bar for London so we are making it a true destination. Record your own podcast, explore our hidden cocktail bar, or stoke some competition with a game of duckpin bowling or ping-pong. BrewDog Waterloo has something for everyone, and we cannot wait to open our doors this August,” said co-founder James Watt.
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18th century pub to undergo revamp
Northumberland pub, the Highlander dating back to the early 1700s, is to be given a new lease of life after being acquired by the North East hospitality group Ellingham Hall.
The former coaching inn, located in Belsay, is a five minute drive from Newcastle Airport and boasts a large restaurant area, open plan longue bar and function room accommodating up to 50 people.
The venue will undergo a revamp with goals to reopen in Easter 2023. Ellingham Hall director Anthony Hunter said: “The Highlander is steeped in heritage and we’re thrilled to have added it to our portfolio.
“Over the coming months, we plan to invest significantly in a redevelopment programme that will breathe new life into the site, ensuring it once again is at the heart of the Belsay community while preserving its rich history and we can’t wait to get started.”
The venue was marketed by North East commercial and residential property agency, Bradley Hall. Neil Hart, group managing director at Bradley Hall, said: “The Highlander has been at the heart of Belsay’s community for the best part of 300 years so we’re delighted to have been able to work with Anthony and the team to get this deal over the line.
“The team has a track record of lovingly restoring and managing heritage venues and so we have every confidence that they’ll prove a real hit among the local community as they breathe new life into this much-loved venue.”
RedCat continues to expand coaching inn estate
Rooney Anand-based investment vehicle RedCat Pub Company has grown its portfolio once again with the acquisition of a site in the New Forest.
This is the 11th acquisition by the company’s subsidiary The Coaching Inn Group under RedCat ownership and brings the number of pub hotels owned by The Coaching Inn Group to 29.
The Forest Park Country Hotel and Inn on the edge of Brockenhurst is a historic hotel that has hosted dinner for Theodore Roosevelt in the 1900s. It was also the general hospital for Indian and New Zealand military during World War I.
The venue has also recently had a significant investment, with 40 en-suite bedrooms and restaurant serving modern British cuisine.
The Coaching Inn Group chief executive Kevin Charity said: “I’m delighted to have acquired this modern country house centred in the New Forest National Park.
“Thanks to RedCat’s support, we have been working at pace over the past few months to expand our attractive portfolio, particularly in areas of scenic natural beauty, which see strong tourist visitation.”
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