PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Red Oak Taverns snaps up site, Shep Neame unveils makeover

19-Apr-2023 - Last updated on 20-Apr-2023 at 10:54 GMT

Makeovers and acquisitions: Busy activity from Shepherd Neame and Red Oak Taverns

In this week's property news, Red Oak Taverns has acquired a new pub and Shepherd Neame has unveiled a new look for a historic coaching inn.

Red Oak Taverns acquires new pub

Operator Red Oak Taverns has acquired the Crown in Bredbury near Stockport directly from its owners who are retiring.

The Greater Manchester-based pub’s current long-term manager, Lisa Wejs, will continue to run the pub as the new tenant partner with Red Oak.

Commenting on the acquisition, Red Oak Taverns property and acquisitions director Graeme Bunn said: “This is our latest single site acquisition, and it fits perfectly within our pub estate. We are really pleased Lisa is taking the tenancy ensuring continuity for this successful and well-liked community pub.”

Wejs commented: “I’m delighted to be able to continue to run the pub as the new tenant with Red Oak Taverns. It’s a brilliant opportunity in a business and community I know well.”

Red Oak Taverns acquisition programme is ongoing with the independent pub company seeking single and multiple site acquisition opportunities.

It operates both tied and free of tie tenancy and leases and has pubs countrywide.

Fleurets handled the purchase on behalf of Red Oak.

Shepherd Neame inn reopens with refreshed look

The Dover Castle in Teynham near Sittingbourne has reopened its doors to guests with a revitalised look and new team.

The Kent-based historic coaching inn undergone the makeover after joining Shepherd Neame’s retail estate.

Inside, it has been redecorated, while outside, the pub’s patio has been revamped to seat up to 100 people with new tables and chairs.

The dining area has also been recarpeted, with tables and chairs refurbed and reupholstered.

The inn’s general manager Christian Webber said: “I have a passion for pubs. The Dover Castle is a beautiful historic building, and it looks amazing now, too.

“We have given it a spruce up and the garden is the icing on the cake. I just want to be entertaining my customers and making sure they have a fantastic experience – that is what I like to do. I love people and love socialising.”

17^th century pub on market for £850k

The Farmers Boy in Longhope, Gloucestershire, has been brought to market by Fleurets.

The freehold of the pub, which is believed to date back to the 17^th century, is available to purchase at £850,000.

There are eight letting rooms inside the inn, as well as a bar, 85-cover restaurant and garden areas. In addition, there are also three bedrooms plus two offices and a bathroom.

Fleurets West & South Wales divisional director Chris Irving commented: “This is a great opportunity for an experienced operator to take over an established business where the key ingredients will remain.

“The Farmers Boy is food focused, but there is further opportunity to develop other aspects of the business.”

Rude Giant brewery to launch in Wiltshire

Brewers have joined forces to create a new brewery called Rude Giant Brew Co.

The formation of Rude Giant Brew Co sees a collective of local businesses come together. The founding partners include Dan Hancock of Immersive Group, Joe Robinson of Blonde Brothers, Lyall Dew formerly of Sixpenny Brewery and The Brew Shack, and Ethan Davids of Chickpea Group.

Unlike many new producers on the block, Wiltshire-based Rude Giant is not entering the ‘craft’ brewing arena but instead aims to make beers for all palates. The brewery said it is stripping brewing back to its roots, focusing on the basics and launching with a curated list of “quaffable drops”.

Rude Giant’s beers will be brewed with barley from the Great Bathampton farm and is malted at Warminster Maltings. The brewery sits prominently in the Wiltshire countryside and will start by supplying a number of local pubs and restaurants.