Classic East Devon Roadside Inn With 4 Star Accommodation Sold - 16th December 2008

Having been virtually destroyed by a fire in 2004, The White Hart at Wilmington in East Devon has been fully rebuilt and restored to a high standard and now trades as a popular classic roadside pub and restaurant, with 4 star letting rooms. A leasehold business it is now for sale through licensed property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter.

The White Hart is in a prime position and set among the rolling hills of East Devon. It benefits from local and passing trade along with visitors from nearby villages. The present owner took over the business after the fire and has put the pub back on the map. She has built up a growing reputation for food, ranging from bar snacks and specials boards to a full al la carte menu, the turnover being split 60/40 in favour of food sales.

With a good local following The White Hart runs 3 winter skittles teams and boasts a good all year round trade, which is seasonally enhanced in the summer months. The pub also offers en-suite B&B accommodation, at £65 per night, and the rooms have been awarded 4 stars by the English Tourist Board.

A substantial 2 storey property, it has a first floor skittle alley, 3 bedroomed owners flat, a former stable block which has been converted into letting accommodation and extensive grounds.

The main trade areas offer an open plan bar/restaurant with character features providing approximately 42 covers. There is also an a adjoining “reading room” with a feature fireplace and a further 12 covers, although it has the potential for more. To the rear of the trade areas is the well equipped and modern catering kitchen and on the first floor a skittle alley and adjacent cellar. The private accommodation is laid out as an office, lounge, kitchen, shower room and 3 bedrooms. Outside the former stable block provides 3 stylishly furnished en-suite letting rooms.

Set on a large site the property provides parking for 25 plus cars and has an adjoining area that would be suitable as an enclosed children’s play zone. There are well arranged trade gardens with picnic benches and a rear enclosed private garden. The property also benefits from having scope to expand.

The White Hart has been run by a single working proprietor (with 2 young children) and a bank of staff. The pub would be more suited to a husband and wife team which would also result in cost savings. The White Heart still offers scope for growth particularly on the food and letting side and would benefit from active marketing and promotion.

The leasehold interest was sold in December 2008 off an asking price of £125,000.