Leisure property specialist Fleurets has announced the leasehold sale of the Eight Bells in Hawkhurst, Kent, a substantial 19th century grade II listed gastropub.
The leasehold was purchased by James Rogers and his wife Annie a few years ago. They went on to transform the Eight Bells into a country pub with a strong reputation, serving high-quality food and drink.
Following the success of the past few years, the Rogers made the decision to sell the leasehold to focus on their young family. The pub has now completed to Lakedown Pub Company, which has retained Fleurets to assist in its expansion.
“This is the start of what we hope will be a small estate of pubs across East Sussex and Kent,” said James Cuthbertson, partner in the Lakedown Pub Group.
“The key thing for us is that there is no ‘cookie cutter’ approach to pubs. Each will be developed to serve its community and have its own personality.
“We’ve established the pubco to complement the brewery, but recognise the different skills involved in running a pubco versus a brewing co, hence adding to the team to deliver this pub and future sites.”
Simon Bland, senior associate at Fleurets, said: “Living locally, I am particularly pleased to have helped James and Annie with the sale and wish them and their young family the very best of luck with whatever they do next.
“They’ve done a great job with this lovely old pub since taking it on during Covid. I’m also really happy to have assisted another valued client, Lakedown Pub Company, acquire their first pub. Exciting times ahead!”
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