The Freehold Of A Closed Village Pub, The Tradesmans Arms, Stokenham Is SOLD - 2nd July 2009

A renowned village pub will be brought back from closure.

Tucked away in the village of Stokenham, Nr Kingsbridge The Tradesmans Arms is being refitted and refurbished, having been bought by one of the local villagers. Sold by licensed property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter, as a closed business, the new owner is hoping to reopen the pub on 20th July.

At present the builders are sympathetically renovating the property, within the regulations of a Grade II Listed building. The kitchen has been totally refurbished and bought up to current health and hygiene standards, the bar area has been damp proofed and the slate roof extension has been replaced. New heating has also been installed throughout and the property and it is being totally recarpeted and redecorated.

The new tenants are Cathy and Mike Saunders who will be running the pub. Along with the new chef they will be producing a fresh daily menu and looking to cater to both the local and surrounding villagers and, especially in the summer months, tourists.

The Tradesmans is a classic “roses round the door “freehouse which in the past has had a strong local following and established food trade, it was also featured in Egon Ronay’s Good food Guide. The new tenants hope to re-establish this reputation and to open the pub up to the villagers. While it is still early days there is a possibility that The Tradesmans will run a euchre team.

The Tradesmans is situated in the South Hams village of Stokenham, close to Slapton Sands which was made famous by the Americans practicing their D-Day landings there. Steeped in history the property dates back to the 14th Century, It is partially thatched and has retained many of its original features, such as exposed beamed ceilings and large inglenook fireplace. It briefly provides a main bar, with steps up to a dining area which has 12 covers, and a separate dining room with 24 covers. Back up facilities include the newly fitted catering kitchen, a cellar and various stores. The first floor provides private accommodation and has 3 double bedrooms (two with en-suite showers) a bathroom, kitchen and a lounge.

Outside there is a landscaped trade garden, with views over the village green, a well established private garden and parking for 14 cars, although a free car park and off road parking is available nearby.

Stonesmith sold the freehold business off an asking price of £450,000