MUCH-LOVED PUB ON MARKET FOR £2.5 MILLION
VILLAGERS have been left shocked and saddened by the planned sale of an “iconic” pub-hotel and associated properties. The Golden Fleece Inn, Tremadog, has been placed on the market for £2.5 million.
As well as the pub itself, the sale includes several other buildings clustered around Tremadog’s village square. These include the former Royal Madoc Hotel, now used as an accommodation “annex” with 10 bedrooms.
Owner Stuart Nashir-Hallard has transformed the four-star pub since arriving in Tremadog 21 years ago. “When I first came here, there were three bedrooms, now we have 17,” he said. “We’ve expanded the number of ensuite bedrooms and added two holiday cottages.”
In recent years the Golden Fleece has attracted a number of celebrities, including Strictly Come Dancing judges Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood. Another was Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton, who last May left £1,000 behind the bar for locals to celebrate his 60th birthday.
Stuart, currently the longest-serving landlord in the Porthmadog area, is selling the business in order to focus on a new acquisition. Last September he bought the London House Stores and Spar in Dyffryn Ardudwy after previous owners Diane and Paul Wellings retired.
As he also owns the Spar and Post Office in Tremadog - which he is retaining - Stuart wanted to concentrate on developing his new asset. “I am not selling the Golden Fleece because of the economic climate - in fact, the Fleece is doing very well.
“I want to focus now on London House. And we now have two young boys, it’s perhaps time to slow down the pace a lit- tle. Running a hotel is 24-7 and I need to spend more time with the family.”
When Stuart shared the news on social media, regulars and visitors lined up to express their disappointment. “What you have done for this village is unbelievable,” said one. “You’re going to be a hard act to follow.”
The Grade II -listed Golden Fleece, on Tremadog’s old market square a mile from the centre of Porthmadog, was originally an old coaching inn, catering for travellers on their way back to London or the Llyn Peninsula. Where horses were once stabled in the courtyard, is now the inn’s dining room.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Golden Fleece underwent a major upgrade of its facilities. Stuart believes it is now a “one-of-a-kind opportunity” for anyone looking to invest in the hospitality industry.
“It is more of a case of finding the right buyer rather than finding the right time to sell,” he said. “I imagine the Golden Fleece is less likely to attract a chain as it is not a standard set-up. It will perhaps interest someone looking for a quirky business that is known for being regularly fully booked.”
Stuart has big plans for London House Stores, which has amassed multiple awards for its traditional and specialist sausages. Having worked in the butchery trade as a youngster, he is rekindling old skills to make his own sausages - and hopes to one day see them sold in supermarkets.
The Golden Fleece in is being sold by hospitality sector specialists Christie & Co.