Historic hostelries hit the market

Specialist commercial property advisers Halls Commercial have brought to market several well-known pubs and restaurants in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

After their recent successful sale of Darwin's Kitchen in Shrewsbury, instructions have been received to offer for sale the Golden Cross on Princess Street and The Coach & Horses on Swan Hill in Shrewsbury.

James Evans, head of Halls Commercial, said: “This movement in the market highlights the steady return of confidence to the retail high street and leisure sector post-COVID. Shrewsbury, in particular, as a tourist town is seeing renewed interest in the leisure and retail sector. Darwin’s Kitchen, a prominent town centre property, has been sold to a private party, who will use it for an alternative use.”

The Coach and Horses, which occupies a prime position in the town, is reported to have started trading as a public house in 1861. The pub is favoured as a traditional option for visitors, consistently having been featured in CAMRA’S Good Beer Guide, and head chef John Barton was once a finalist on MasterChef. The property also benefits from a two-bedroomed residential apartment.

The Golden Cross, reported to be the oldest licensed public house in the town (records date back to 1428), comprises a historic Grade II listed property and has a wealth of features internally. The property is fully fitted out including two rooms with a bar in the middle currently serving the restaurant. There are letting rooms to the upper floors of the property.

Both establishments provide the opportunity to acquire prominently located established licensed public houses and restaurants, including accommodation, with outstanding trading reputations. They could also offer significant potential for a variety of alternative uses, subject to any statutory consents.