A new start for Somerset pub after finding new owner
The Faulkland Inn, located in the scenic village of Radstock, in Somerset, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, to experienced, local pub operators.
The Grade II listed village inn, surrounded by beautiful lavender fields, has played host to visitors and locals in the area since the 1760s. Comprising a bar and restaurant with a traditional open fireplace, the property exudes a traditional charm and features three en suite letting rooms for guest accommodation.
The previous owner, Jon Blake, acquired The Faulkland Inn in August 2018, after having been closed since April 2017, seizing the opportunity to purchase the inn and ensure its continuity. However, having not operated The Faulkland Inn since purchasing it, they decided to sell as they felt it deserved a chance to reopen and serve its community, particularly as it is only pub in the village.
New owners, Tina Paradise and her husband Andy Machen are local and experienced operators who were keen to find a business near to where they live, in Radstock, and took the opportunity to acquire The Faulkland Inn as a blank canvas to create a successful community hub for the village. They are in the process of refurbishing and redecorating the pub in preparation for a full opening in June. Tina comments, “Back in the late 90s, I had 44 pubs on holding and ran pubs such as The Horseshoe and The Moorfields in Bath. After a period working in the hotel sector, in which I ran Dukes on Great Pulteney St in Bath until 2013, then spending a few years on renovation projects, I turned around to my husband and said I think I’ve got one more pub in me!
“I want to recreate your typical village pub, with dart boards, Shove Ha'penny, games and comfy sofas. I also want to go back to doing traditional ‘pub grub’ lunch fare such as chicken in a basket and sausage and chips, in order to tap into the local daytime trade. I’ll keep gastro-pub cuisine for the evening time only. I hope to have the three upstairs letting rooms up and running soon.”
Nick Calfe, Director at Christie & Co handled the sale and comments, “We are delighted to have sold The Faulkland Inn on behalf of Mr Blake and I am confident that, with Tina’s strong industry background and trade experience, she will be able to breathe new life into this beautiful, traditional village pub.”
Christie & Co sold The Faulkland Inn off a freehold asking price of £285,000.
