Local pub operator acquires Gilling East’s Fairfax Arms
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, is pleased to report the historic Fairfax Arms in York has been sold.
This outstanding inn is situated in the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Gilling East, among the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village sits five miles from Helmsley and boasts attractions such as the magnificent Gilling Castle, a lovely golf course and The Ryedale Miniature Railway.
The inn comprises 12 contemporary letting bedrooms, along with a bar, snug and a superb Orangery restaurant which leads out to a landscaped beer garden overlooking a small stream. The property also features a two-bedroom managers apartment, ample guest parking and a large catering kitchen which made it highly appealing to a wide range of buyers when it came to the market.
The previous owners, brothers, Robert and Edward Fawcett have owned the pub for well over 20 years and have invested heavily in its refurbishment, including the extension and development of the building to provide the striking atrium restaurant in 2017.
They have overseen the operation of the inn whilst also running their own separate businesses and felt the time was right to sell to pursue other ventures. This created an excellent opportunity for the new owner, a local buyer from South Yorkshire named Derek Gennard who is an engineer by trade.
He comments, “I very much like this part of North Yorkshire and was very familiar with the Fairfax through personal connections to the Fawcett family. I already own a similar sized pub and so when Mark Worley from Christie & Co called to alert me to the fact that it was on the market, it seemed an ideal opportunity for me.”
When asked about his plans for the future of the business Derek advised, “It will be business as usual for the foreseeable future. It’s a great place and was handed over to me in such good condition, so there is no real need to change anything. It will be operated by my daughter and son in law, retaining its reputation as a top quality, family-owned country pub.”
Previous owner, Rob Fawcett comments, “We have owned and operated the Fairfax Arms for 20 odd years but felt that the time was right to sell. We are delighted with the buyer, Derek Gennard and his family, as we think they are the perfect fit for the pub and that is very important to us, especially as he intends to continue to operate the business to the same high standards we have. We wish them all the best for the future.”
Acting for Christie & Co was Hospitality Director Mark Worley who adds “The Fairfax Arms ticked so many boxes for a wide range of buyers. The location is excellent, rural but able to capture tourist trades from York and Helmsley and the North York Moors. There are 12 excellent letting rooms and a superb restaurant providing extra income streams. The business levels are good and the reviews and reputation of the business are top notch. We are delighted to see Derek succeed with his purchase and wish him all the best.”
For further information on this press release, contact:
Bronte Hughes, Corporate Communications Executive
M: +44 (0) 7721 420 656 or E: bronte.hughes@christie.com
Contact the agent:
Mark Worley, Director – Hospitality
M: +44 (0) 7791 980 852 or E: mark.worley@christie.com
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