Modern restaurant in East Sussex village seeks new owner
The Curlew, a modern fine dining restaurant in Bodiam, East Sussex, has been brought to the market through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.
Occupying a Grade II listed former coaching inn, the restaurant comprises the main restaurant area with seating for 64 covers and a good sized commercial kitchen, plus a decked trade garden with seating for 32 guests. Maintained to a high standard throughout, the restaurant is decorated in neutral décor and owner’s accommodation is provided on the first floor in the form of a self contained flat, with three double bedrooms.
The Curlew was voted Sussex's Best Dining Experience by The Sussex Food and Drink Awards in 2012, 2015 and was a finalist in 2016. This year, the restaurant is a finalist for Restaurant of the Year in the Celebration of Sussex awards, due to be announced late October. The business maintains a good reputation among both the local and wider community for its refined modern British menu, benefitting from a loyal following and repeat custom. Located in the Valley of the River Rother, near the villages of Sandhurst and Ewhurst Green, The Curlew also benefits from trade drawn in by tourists visiting the Bodiam Castle and the railway, originally purpose built to provide transport for hops grown in the area to Guinness, which runs through Bodiam Station.
Current owners, Mark and Sara Colley, have taken the decision to retire from the sector and focus on their other travel business. They comment, “It is with a heavy heart that we leave The Curlew, having dedicated nine years into creating a nationally renowned dining destination, but we will pass it on to new owners in as strong a place as it’s ever been – the recent press and customer reviews are testament to this. The Curlew is without doubt one of the finest dining locations in the South East, and the new owners will undoubtedly hit the ground running.”
James Hughes, Business Agent at Christie & Co is handling the sale and comments, “This is a great opportunity for an experienced operator or first time buyer to acquire a well established business at a very reasonable price. It is a rare opportunity for properties as such to be available for this amount. The market is active for good freehold pubs and restaurants in the South East with an appetite from purchasers to move quickly on the right sites.”
Christie & Co is seeking an asking price of £495,000 for the freehold interest.
