Country village inn with strong community support
Whilst on holiday in Looe, Adrian and Ian came across details on The Fortescue Arms, East Allington, Nr Totnes, in Devon on Stonesmith’s website. They took a detour on the way home and immediately knew the inn was for them. They are now the new landlords, report specialist licensed agents Stonesmith of Exeter.
Adrian and Ian were looking for a community led business with potential. The Fortescue Arms ticked all the boxes and they have not been disappointed since moving in. The local community have welcomed them whole heartily and they have started to build a real sense of community life in their new home and business. They have also developed a good rapport with local businesses and holiday accommodation nearby, who highly recommend the Fortescue.
With 15 years experience behind them, from running value pubs to 5 star B&B accommodation, Adrian and Ian’s expertise are an asset to their new venture and they are delighted with the move. With the attraction of village life that they came looking for, they are continuing to support the pubs darts team and village football teams as well as hosting a knitting club, hunt meetings, occasional live music events and a fortnightly quiz. The heart of the village community is very much in their mind, and as such the profit from the weekly quiz goes to one of the local charities, including the local football team, church, village shop, village hall and the school.
Continuing to serve real ales and fine wines, Adrian and Ian have introduced a new menu and welcomed in a new chef. The aim is to support the local farmers and associated businesses/suppliers, offering fresh home cooked dishes with a traditional British theme.
Looking ahead, there are plans to refurbish some of the trade areas including the bars and two of the letting rooms. Once the warmer months come the trade gardens will be given a face lift and tided up. The new web site is now also up and running www.thefortescuearms.com
The Fortescue Arms is the only pub in the village, in the affluent South Hams area of Devon. The property is detached and provides plenty of character with original features such as flagstone floors, exposed beams and open fireplaces. It offers a main bar and family area with seating for approx 30, a dining room for 26 and a well equipped catering kitchen. The first floor has 2 en-suite letting rooms (currently being refurbished) plus 4 bedroomed private accommodation.
Outside there is a separate building housing the cellar and bottle store, a fully enclosed trade garden with a pond, timber decked area and seating for approx 50 with further seats to the front for approx 18. There is also a private garden, patrons car park for approx 12 with a gravelled overspill area and a garage/outbuilding.
The Fortescue Arms was sold as a Free of Tie Lease off an asking price of £79,950. Stonesmith can be contacted on 01392 201262 and properties for sale can be viewed on www.stonesmith.co.uk
