Award winning West Dorset pub changes hands through Christie & Co
The Spyway Inn, a traditional Dorset pub situated outside the village of Askerswell, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, to a husband and wife team embarking on a new lifestyle business.
Dating back to 1745, the inn retains classic character features, such as a large open fireplace and timber beams, and caters to a high volume of patrons with substantial dining areas for up to 78 covers. Due to its expansive and well-maintained trade garden with views across the Dorset countryside, The Spyway was awarded Best Pub Garden of the Year for 2017 by CAMRA.
Along with the licensed trade, the business provides guest accommodation with three en suite letting bedrooms available in the property, alongside self-contained owner’s accommodation which is accessible separately to the pub.
Close to the Jurassic Coast, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is popular with walkers, and a range of coastal resort towns including West Bay, Weymouth and Lyme Regis, the pub is popular with visitors and tourists to the area. Its picturesque location is also a draw for those looking for a venue for weddings, parties, events and functions.
Previous owners, Vivien & Kevin Wilkes, had been at The Spyway for 15 years, running the pub along with their son Tim, as a family business. Having enjoyed great success at The Spyway Inn as both a business and lifestyle, they finally decided to retire for family reasons and for their son Tim to embark on a new career. They comment, “We have enjoyed our time at The Spyway Inn, 15 years is a long time in the trade, but we have enjoyed running the pub and the lifestyle it has brought us, having re-located from the Midlands and settled here.”
The Spyway Inn was purchased by Mark & Laura Watson. first time buyers in the sector. who comment, “We fell in love with The Spyway Inn from the moment we stepped into the garden. Not only are the views breath taking but the pub, built in the 1600's, has so much charm and character that it would be a shame to take any of that away. We aim to remain the friendly, family run business that it has always been with the addition of you being able to bring along your four legged friends!
We have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by regulars of The Spyway Inn and have had a very warm reception thus far. We would like to offer our existing and new customers 10% off your bill if you dine with us in August and mention this article. We look forward to meeting you soon.”
Nicholas Calfe, Director at Christie & Co’s Bristol office who handled the sale, comments, “The Spyway Inn represented a rare combination of lifestyle and high profit margins in a picturesque village near the Dorset coast. Mark & Laura have exciting plans for the property moving forward which I am sure will enhance the business further.
“Demand for freehold pubs in the South West, such as The Spyway Inn, remains high, particularly those with letting rooms or the potential to create more rooms.”
The Spyway Inn was sold off a guide price of £595,000.
