Cornish pubs proving popular

February 10, 2007: There’s a golden opportunity for Cornish entrepreneurs who wish to involve themselves in the leisure and hospitality trade to purchase a pub or restaurant of their choice as an increasing number of licensed premises come onto the market well in time for the businesses to become established before the start of the new holiday season.

Leading licensed property agents Bettesworths (01803 212142) have just completed the sale of two well-known pubs in the county in addition to the many they sold last year. They also have a further five Cornish businesses under offer and a number of new instructions coming up in the months ahead.

The agents cover the whole of the South West and enjoy particularly strong links with Cornwall. With over 4,000 hits a week on their website there are always opportunities for any experienced operators or newcomers to find a property of their choice.

Bettesworths have just sold the Smugglers Inn, at Seaton, near Looe, to major pub operator Enterprise Inns, and also the Bell Inn, at Trewoon, on the outskirts of St Austell.

Director Barney Bettesworth explained: “We are experiencing very strong demand for both freehold and leasehold pubs throughout the South West, particularly Cornwall. The interest is coming not only from experienced publicans but from others keen to take charge of their own destinies and become their own boss operating their own business in Cornwall and the beautiful South West peninsula.”

The Smugglers, an imaginatively modernised historic freehold inn standing in a superb position adjacent to the beach with outstanding coastal views towards Looe, had been on the market for £695,000. The Bell Inn was sold to brothers Mike and Gary Payton, experienced licensees from Bedfordshire, off a freehold asking price of £595,000.

Other important freehold sales have included the Rifle Volunteer, in the Tamar Valley, which was sold to a corporate purchaser for close to £1 million; the Old Wain House, near Bude, sold off an asking price of £650,000; and the Boot Inn, at Calstock, which was originally sold for an undisclosed sum but which is now back on the market because of ill health, at an asking price of £475,000.

Bettesworths also have under offer a number of freehold properties on the north Cornish coast with a combined value in excess of £2 million.

Leasehold sales included an Enterprise lease on the popular Masons Arms, in Bodmin; the New Market Inn, in Launceston, which changed hands for a price close to £45,000l and three further leasehold pubs in Launceston, Landrake and Liskeard, which are expected to complete in the coming months.

Anyone considering a sale should contact Barney or Matt Bettesworth on 01803 212142 and ask for a free marketing appraisal.