Oldest Pub in Devon, The Stag Inn at Rackenford, FOR SALE - 12th March 2010

Recorded as the oldest public house in Devon, dating back to 12th Century

Situated in the delightful rural village of Rackenford and surrounded by picturesque Devon countryside, The Stag Inn is a well known village hostelry and destination public house, which has recently grown its reputation for food. The freehold business is now for sale through licensed property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter.

The Stag Inn is situated in the centre of Rackenford and is unopposed, being the only pub in the village. It is at the heart of village life and, as well as hosting skittles and darts teams, it is a locals local and popular for social events throughout the year. The stag also benefits from significant passing trade, especially in the summer months, and is well placed to attract custom from the surrounding area.

The present owners have re established the food trade, split 60% food sales and 40 % wet sales, with an extended lunchtime menu and a comprehensive a la carte evening menu. As well as the quality of the food they have improved their reputation for well kept ales and provide two local guest ales from Exmoor Brewery. Their hard work and enthusiasm has put the business back on the map making it one of the more popular destination pubs in this part of the world.

A substantial detached property, the stag Inn is a Grade II listed building with an “Olde Worlde” charm and character. As such it has flagstone flooring, beamed ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and Jacobean panelling. It is also one of Devon’s few surviving tunnel inns, so called because the entrance to the bar is via a tunnel passage into which drovers could heard their stock.

The accommodation provides ground floor trade areas which include a main bar with 30 covers, a restaurant area with 30 covers, a private dining room with 12 covers, a skittle alley/function room for 80 and a commercial kitchen. The first floor private accommodation provides a spacious living area with 4 bedrooms, a lounge and a bathroom.

Outside to the rear there is a decked trade patio leading to a lawned trade garden with far-reaching views over rolling Devon hills. There is also a patrons car park for 20 vehicles.

A freehold business, Stonesmith are looking for offers off an asking price of £595,000