Unique canal and riverside freehouse, sold for the first time in 50 years.
A truly unique and distinctive pub, set in a landmark canal and riverside position, The Welcome Inn in Exeter, Devon has been sold for the first time in 50 years. Originally dating back to early 1830’s the public areas of the property have remained virtually unchanged for the past 50 years.
Licensed property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter sold The Welcome Inn following bereavement and the new owners are experienced caterers Roger and Miranda Olver who, along with their daughters Coralie and Simone, are in the process of renovating the property. Roger and Miranda have previously run catering businesses in the area and had admired The Welcome Inn as customers, for a number of years.
Whilst modernisation is being carried out to the property, they intend to retain the character features and enhance the unique charm of the property by displaying historical photos, maps and information.
The family are aiming to be open by Easter and will trade as The Welcome, a daytime café offering home cooked food with hot and cold beverages. There will be fresh cakes, light snacks, a family dish of the day and home made pate’s, soups, etc. With outside seating areas and extended covers internally there will be seating for up to 60 customers.
The Welcome Inn is situated on the canal banks close to the heart of Exeter. It is in an historical area being beside both the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal, which is popular with locals and tourists throughout the year.
The property briefly comprised a main bar, games room and a lounge room. Upstairs the private accommodation provides 5 double bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, office and bathroom. Outside there is seating to the front and side overlooking the canal and river with a rear parking and courtyard area.
Mike Phillips, Director at Stonesmith commented “Having been in the hands of the same family for so long, the sale of The Welcome Inn represents the end of an era and the beginning of another. The purchasers were well known to us having run a number of successful catering businesses in the area over the years and we wish them every success with this new and exciting venture”.
A freehold business, Stonesmith sold The Welcome Inn off a guide price of £400,000
