Mendip Inn finds new owner through Christie & Co
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has completed on the sale of the lease for the Mendip Inn, located in the village of Oakhill within the Mendip Hills, a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A spacious character property, the Mendip Inn boasts extensive bar and dining areas with a total capacity for 130 covers, a well-kept beer garden with outdoor seating for 30 covers, and a car park with space for approximately 50 cars. Having undergone a full renovation of the internal trading area in 2012, the venue is in excellent order and is finished to a high standard throughout. The upstairs area currently provides staff accommodation, with scope to develop the space into letting accommodation, and an owner’s flat.
Enjoying a highly accessible and well connected location, the inn sits on the main road between the North Somerset cities of Bristol and Bath and South Somerset towns of Shepton Mallet and Yeovil. Situated in the Mendip Hills, the business benefits from the busy tourist trade drawn to the area and the high footfall of visitors attracted to the local amenities including walking, sightseeing and sporting activities.
The lease of the Mendip Inn was sold to Matthew Lowe, who has a background in hospitality, having worked in cocktail bars in South Africa before moving to the UK and taking up work in various pub kitchens. He comments, “My plan for the Mendip Inn is to create a new menu using local ingredients from farms and businesses around the area, to increase the drinks offering by bringing in local gins with a variety of 15 flavours, and to increase the front of house staff providing one full time job and three part time jobs. There will also be a strong focus on our Christmas menu to cater for parties of up to 120.”
Mr Lowe is also keen to get involved in local charity and community events, with plans to make the Mendip Inn an integral part of the community.
Nicholas Calfe, Director, based in Christie & Co’s Bristol office, who handled the sale comments, “The Mendip Inn offered a unique opportunity to acquire a free of tie lease, which are a popular option for experienced buyers to allow for more freedom in running the business. With potential to develop letting accommodation and boost the business’ food offering, Matthew was the perfect fit to grow trade through these additional income streams. The Mendip area is a haven for destination inns and lifestyle businesses, enjoying the picturesque, tourist-friendly location. At Christie & Co we have seen the local market thrive, with the Mendip Inn marking the third pub sold in the Mendip area this year.”
Christie & Co sought £60,000 for the leasehold of the Mendip Inn.
