A new team has taken over the reins at popular pub the Blacksmith’s Arms near Newton Aycliffe.
After over 13 years at the helm, Bev Blackstock and business partner Brenda Whear have sold the Hammers, at Preston-le-Skerne, to husband-and-wife team Peter and Rachel Walton together with Rachel’s brother Neil Skinner.
The purchasers are no strangers to the licenced hospitality trade. Neil has 30 years experience of cheffing, running restaurants and pubs, whilst the Walton’s have experience in events.
They plan to continue the success that the Blacksmiths has enjoyed and look to develop the outside areas for events, weddings and music festivals and ultimately to develop the adjoining unused field for a caravan site.
The Leeds office of leading leisure property specialists Fleurets acted on behalf of Bev and Brenda in the sale, which was for an undisclosed fee.
Nick Thomas, from Fleurets, said: “Peter, Rachel and Neil have acquired a very successful and profitable business, and with the plans they have for the business it will certainly develop moving in to the future.
“The sale of the Blacksmiths Arms is further confirmation of the improved market conditions on the back of an increased purchaser demand.”
A popular food-led country inn, the Blacksmiths Arms has been developed and nurtured by Bev and Brenda during their ownership resulting in it attracting regular and repeat trade from a large catchment area, assisted by the proximity of the A167 and the A1 (M).
The pub is situated within a well proportioned site which extends to around 5.1 acres overall incorporating a good sized car park, enclosed lawned beer garden and patio with outbuildings incorporating a boiler house, private lawned gardens and adjoining fields which extends to around 3.6 acres.
The Blacksmiths Arms was sold for an undisclosed price off a freehold asking price of £399,500.