One of the oldest pubs in the Wye Valley sold to local operator

The Boat Inn is located on the banks of the River Wye and the property is one of the oldest public houses in the area, dating from the 1800s, with an abundance of charm and known for its beautiful gardens, which include a small waterfall flowing down the rock face behind.  

The pub is well known in the area and is regularly visited by local patrons and tourists visiting the popular Wye Valley area. Located in the middle of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Penallt is a picturesque village situated above the Wye River Valley and sees high levels of visitors passing through, benefitting local business. 

Previous owner, Shaleen Goodman had owned The Boat Inn since 2006 and had spent considerable time, effort and capital rejuvenating the property, which had previously slipped into disrepair. Mrs Goodman is now looking to retire and relocate to France and was looking for the right owner to take over the established business. She comments, “We have enjoyed our time at the helm of the Boat Inn and we are now looking forward to a new adventure in France. We wish Debbie all the best for the future and thank Corrina Jones at Christie & Co for all of her help in finding us the right buyer and pushing the deal through.”

The Boat Inn has been purchased by Debbie Burch, an experienced local pub owner from nearby Chepstow. She comments, “The plans for the future are to carry on running The Boat with the same team of staff. I will be looking at introducing a new range of locally sourced food for the menu and keep everything very simple but with great ingredients, along with offering local wines and spirits. Providing accommodation in the future will also be important for me, to encourage the tourism side of things. 

“Having the support of Jimmy at Christie Finance was extremely important. They guide you through the purchasing process and are there if you have any problems. It made the whole process less stressful.”

Jimmy Johns, Finance Consultant at Christie Finance arranged the funding for Debbie’s purchase and comments, “It was a pleasure to work with Debbie and I am pleased we were able to secure the funding that she required in order for to complete this purchase.”

Corrina Jones, Business Agent at Christie & Co, handled the sale and comments, “This is a unique property located in an idyllic spot on the River Wye. Shaleen has worked diligently to maintain the charm and ambience of the property throughout her time running The Boat Inn and has built up a fabulous business with a loyal client base. We wish her all the best with her retirement to France and I am sure that the business will be well looked after in the hands of Debbie Burch, an experienced publican who intends to be very much a hands on operator.”