Northumberland inn bought by growing West Yorkshire operator

The purchaser is Boothwood Ltd, an award-winning multi site pub and restaurant operator based in West Yorkshire. The company’s awards include Yorkshire Pub of the Year 2015 and National Takeaway Awards 2016. They currently have six sites, both in rural village and town locations and intend to replicate their success and ethos in the North East. 

Mark Worley, Director at Christie & Co handled the sale. He comments, “The pub is just a few miles from Ponteland, one of the most affluent and sought after towns in the North East.  We felt that a sustained period of ownership and investment from a hands-on operator was needed in order to re-establish the business and take full advantage of the pub’s enviable location. Some have tried in recent years but not succeeded and fortunately we have now managed to find the perfect buyer who intends to transform the business and premises.”

Boothwood Director, Sarah Stuttle comments on their plans for the Waggon: “We have been looking to expand outside of Yorkshire for some time now. I am originally from Newcastle and since starting my career in hospitality I have always wanted a site near my hometown. When we spotted the Waggon we thought it had a lot of potential and would be a perfect site for us. We would like to keep the character of the building and think by adding Boothwood's unique style we will be able to create a great atmosphere and dining experience for what we hope will become a fantastic destination pub and restaurant."

Mark Worley concludes, “This is great news for the people of Ponteland, Belsay and the surrounding towns and villages and we wish Sarah and the guys at Boothwood every success.”