Exceptional town centre “olde worlde” pub. The Old Ship Inn Sidmouth FOR SALE - 8th July 2010

Boasting tremendous charm and character throughout, and located in the much sought after East Devon coastal town of Sidmouth, The Old Ship Inn is an impressive freehouse with origins dating back to 1350. The pub is centrally located and offers a warm and charming atmosphere within historic surroundings. A freehold business, presently run under management, it is now for sale through licensed property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter and offers tremendous scope for new owner/operators.

The Old Ship is reputed to be the oldest freehouse in Sidmouth. It is Grade II Listed and presented to an exceptionally high standard throughout. Whilst it has been the subject of much sympathetic upgrading and improvement, it has retained many of its original features and “olde worlde” charm.

Enjoying a strong local following, with an all year round trade, The Ship also benefits from the tourist trade especially during the International Folk Festival as well as the summer months. There is a broad mix of customers for which the managers organise regular entertainment in the form of quiz nights, themed food evenings and wine tastings. They have also established a reputation for their food and well kept real ales, with the trade split 45%/55% in favour of wet sales.

The present vendors have owned The Old Ship Inn for the past 21 years and presently run it under full management with virtually no day to day involvement. Therefore there is plenty of potential for hands on owners to increase all aspects of the trade further, in particular by extending the opening hours to meet demand, especially in the summer months.

The two storey terraced property is situated in the centre of Sidmouth in a pedestrianised zone close to the main shopping area and sea front. Sidmouth is an attractive and affluent Regency town which is world renowned for its folk festival. It has also risen in popularity since achieving the status of being part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The town also benefits from being only 12 miles from the city of Exeter with access to the M5 and international airport.

The property briefly comprises an open plan bar and adjoining dining area with 30 plus covers, a 42 cover upper deck restaurant, well equipped catering kitchen and spacious 2 bedroomed owners apartment.

Due to the impending retirement of the owners Stonesmith are looking for offers off a substantially reduced asking price of £595,000.