Sale of pubs defies gloomy economic climate

With the seemingly never-ending stream of negative economic news, it can be hard to see that there are still some great business opportunities out there.

Among them, is the idea of running a local pub, which many landlords are still doing successfully, despite the onslaught of headlines highlighting the difficulties in the business.

A group of pubs across the South West have become the latest to change hands as new owners come onboard to take the businesses in a more profitable direction.

Peter Brunt, from Colliers International, oversaw the exchange of contracts on the properties which were: The Gaggle of Geese in Dorset, the Lampet Arms at Tadmarton, the Bell Inn at Stow-on-the-Wold and the Chequers at Churchill.

Mr Brunt told Big Hospitality: “Although it’s clear the industry nationally is struggling to compete with changing drinking habits, people are prepared to take a closer look at individual premises in the hope of picking up the best buys while they are still available.

“We have been saying all year that the right pub in the right place at the right price will still sell and it seems would-be landlords are making their moves now - while there are still some bargains to be had.”

The pubs were on the market with price tags of up to £350,000.