Popular riverside pub near Glastonbury sells to local buyer

The Sheppey Inn sits in a quirky 17th Century former cider house and is renowned for its riverside beer garden and terrace, range of craft beer and local ciders, and regular live jazz and folk music. It also features three boutique-style letting bedrooms, making it popular with visiting Londoners, nearby towns people and locals alike.

The pub stands in an elevated position in the beautiful wilds of the Somerset levels, four miles from the towns of Glastonbury and Wells. It is also nearby to several nature reserves and RSPB sites at West Hay, Shapwick and Ham Wall, which attract thousands of wildlife enthusiasts each year, and are particularly popular in the winter months when many visit to watch the spectacular starlings roost.

The Inn has been owned by Mark Hey and Liz Chamberlain since 2010 and has since undergone major works and refurbishments. In 2018, they created the pub’s letting rooms, which took the business to a new level. They have also developed a significant social media presence for the pub, with its Facebook follower base now sitting at almost ten thousand.

Mark and Liz decided to sell in order to permanently relocate to Portugal where they have a house. Mark comments, “When we purchased The Sheppey ten years ago it was in a sad and derelict condition, having lain empty and unloved for over two years. We were determined to bring the building and business back to life and feel very proud of what we have achieved. Through hard work, love and dedication, The Sheppey has grown into the iconic, environmentally friendly pub that it is today, with a reputation for showcasing local producers.

“We have been privileged to welcome through the doors the most amazing customers from far and wide, talented artists, musicians and DJ’s who have entertained us and given us some of the most memorable evenings. We have also been fortunate to have had some of the most hardworking, creative and committed staff who have followed us on this journey and achieved awards and recognition for The Sheppey. We would like to thank each and every one of you.”

The pub has been snapped up by Ben Costigan, a freelance photographer who lives in a neighbouring village and is very fond of the business, often frequenting it as a local customer.

He comments, “My partner Tamsin and I bought The Sheppey Inn because we loved the quirky décor, relaxing ambiance and laid-back vibe, and we did not want to lose the local pub that we knew and loved to a buyer that may wish to change the current setup. We will strive to keep The Sheppey the same pub that people know and love for the foreseeable future, with music nights, great food and its general eccentricity that makes the pub so fantastic.”

Nicholas Calfe, Director in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team handled the sale and comments, “The Sheppey Inn is such a well-known pub, so I was confident of the interest the business would generate despite the uncertain climate and because of this reputation, we were able to attract enquiries from London and the South East as well as overseas that knew of its notoriety. Ironically, we sold the business to a local family who knew only too well of its success which they intend to carry on. We wish Mark and Liz all the best with their move to the Algarve in Portugal and best of luck to Ben in carrying the business forward."
 
 
For further information on this press release, contact:
Bronte Hughes, Corporate Communications Executive
P: 020 7227 0794 or E: bronte.hughes@christie.com
 
Contact the agent:
Nicholas Calfe, Director – Hospitality (South West)
P: 0117 946 8504 or E: nicholas.calfe@christie.com