Raising a glass to pick of the pubs on the market

If you’ve ever wanted to run your own traditional pub, then there’s plenty of characterful boozers currently on the market to choose from. Almost 40 freeholds are being marketed across the county through the commercial arm of Right Move.

But Marc Bridgen, who with mum Marilyn owns the award-winning gastropub The Dog at Wingham, warns: “It’s not a venture to be taken lightly. You need to be fully committed. Do a lot of research and have a detailed business plan because the cost of doing things is often much higher than expected - especially if you have to maintain an old building.” Despite the well-documented closure of pubs over the last decade, the Office of National Statistics says the number in business is now beginning to rise again, driven by the popularity of gastropubs. There will be little for any new owners to do to the Chequers Inn at Petham which, although currently closed, recently underwent extensive renovation and is being marketed for £740,000. Located beside Stone Street with lots of passing traffic, the agents say it is a “rare opportunity to acquire a wellestablished business offering tremendous potential.” They don’t come much more quintessentially English than the Grade Ii-listed, 15th century Abbot’s Fireside at Elham which is on the market for £675,000. The current owners are said to be looking to retire, which offers the opportunity to take on a thriving bar and restaurant with hotel rooms.

For someone wanting to invest in a pub which is already being run by an experienced tenant, the Prince of Wales in Hoath near Herne Bay could be the right opportunity. This traditional village inn with open log fireplaces is being marketed for £550,000.

If it’s a city centre business you prefer then the Monument in Canterbury is another period property dating back to the early 18th century and also historically listed. It is being sold by Shepherd Neame for about £360,000 and offers fivebedroom accommodation and many original features. Mr Bridgen believes that offering good food is vital to a pub’s success these days. “You really can’t make a success of it just selling pints of bitter, unless you are something like a real ale micro pub,” he said.

“It’s easy to get carried away with the romance of running a country pub but you have to approach it with a hard business nose.

“But there are rewards if you get it right and a great sense of satisfaction, although you can never rest on your laurels.”

The Chequers Inn in Petham is up for £740,000, the Abbot’s Fireside in Elham is valued at £675,000, and the Prince of Wales in Hoath is being marketed for £550,000

The Monument in St Dunstan’s, Canterbury, can be snapped up for £360,000

Marc Bridgen of The Dog at Wingham