Imposing detached character Somerset village inn sold
Having been sympathetically converted and modernised over the years, the 17th century Crossways Inn at West Huntspill in Somerset has recently been sold. Previously owned by Nigel Dorothy, the business was sold by licensed property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter to David Dean whose son Steve Dean and son-in law Shane Wallace will be fully managing.
The Crossways Inn has a strong all year round trade and is a popular destination, food led, inn with a trade split of 51% food sales and 49% wet sales. Steve and Shane are going to build on the pubs reputation and are planning to expand the catering. Along with the retained chefs they are developing a new menu which will consist of traditional pub grub with an enhanced specials board. Steve and Shane will be extending the availability of food providing it all day every day. To complement the food there will be a new selection of wines and the web site will be updated to promote the pub.
To make all of the changes to the catering side of the business the kitchens will be closed for approx 10 weeks for a complete refurbishment and refit. At the same time new toilets will be built and it is hoped all of the work will be finished by mid November and any works done will be in keeping with the character of the property.
The pub has a good local following and Steve and Shane are keen to find out what the regulars want from their local. Already the locals organise Jazz nights which they are keen to encourage, along with establishing occasional folk evenings. Another area they are looking to develop is the sports teams. They would like to increase the skittles teams and to introduce pool teams.
Looking ahead to the future Steve and Shane are hoping to develop the outside trade areas by landscaping the gardens and erecting a children’s play area.
Previously the pub provided accommodation but this is now converted back into private living accommodation.
The Crossways Inn is an imposing detached village pub situated in a prominent trading position on the busy A38 between Highbridge/Burnham on sea and Bridgwater. It is easily found from the M5 at junction 22 &23 and is set on the edge of the Somerset Levels at the foot of the Mendip Hills in an area popular with tourists.
A substantial property, it has been modernised and upgraded over the years but the character of the property has been kept intact. The property has also retained many of its original features including open fireplaces, heavily beamed ceilings and exposed brickwork. The accommodation briefly provides an open plan bar with 50 covers, a separate restaurant with 28 covers and a function room/skittle alley. Upstairs there are 6 bedrooms (4 en-suite) a lounge, bathroom and office.
Outside to the front of the property there is a patrons car park with spaces for 60 plus vehicles and a trade area with 24 covers. To the rear there is an enclosed beer garden and patio area with seating for 30 plus customers.
A freehold business, Stonesmith sold the Crossways Inn off an asking price of £650,000.
