Two of the five pubs that were formerly part of Powder Train, the collapsed pub operator that had worked with high-profile chef Marco Pierre White, have been sold by agent Christie + Co.
Hampshire-based Upham Pub Company, the sister company to Upham Brewery, has bought the George Inn, the 17th century bar, restaurant and inn in Longbridge Deverill near Warminster, Wiltshire, off an asking price of £895,000. It comes as Upham Brewery is looking to secure more pubs.
Upham director David Butcher said: “Upham Pub Company is delighted to have secured this the fourth pub in our estate. It is an impressive site and location and we believe that with a focussed investment it can generate further and significant returns.”
The Handsome Pig, another 17th century Grade II Listed country inn at Fernhurst, West Sussex, has been bought by existing operator John Portman off an asking price of £550,000. Phillipa Jeal, retail property consultant who advised on this purchase, said: “My clients are delighted to have secured this attractive 17th century pub and barn. They will be returning the pub to its former glory serving the local community and visitors, with a separate restaurant in the barn.”
Ed Bellfield, director of Christie + Co, said: “When we placed the pubs on the market on behalf of the administrators in February we knew the pedigree of the sites was such that they would generate great interest. The two we’ve sold to date have attracted significant interest, confirming our expectation that these highly characterful pubs would attract competitive bidding processes.
“We expect to announce further sales from this portfolio in the days and weeks ahead.”
Powder Train was placed in administration with Begbies Traynor in February. Other Powder Train sites being marketed by Christie + Co include the Chequers Inn at Maresfield, East Sussex, which was taken on by the pub company under a joint venture with Pierre White in 2010.
