Historic Cumbrian pub changes hands as owners seek retirement
A historic Cumbrian pub has been sold for £375,000.
The Shepherds Inn, built in 1789 and located in the village of Melmerby, was sold by Christie & Co.
It had been owned for the past seven years by the Haddow family, and operated by Mike and Margaret Haddow, a husband-and-wife team who are now seeking retirement after more than 50 years in the hospitality industry.
Mr Haddow said: "Having started working in a pub at the age of 15, we bought The Shepherds Inn in 2018 to complete a full circle in my career, going from pot washer to group executive chef to the pub I operated with my wife Margaret.
"After spending over 50 years in catering, we have now reached the right time to retire, having completed our journey and helped to transform our historic village pub from inconsistent and unloved back to its former glory.
"In today's difficult market, at first, we weren't sure how to go about the sale process, but I met Marslie at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show and was aware of Christie & Co's reputation.
"We are pleased that the sale has successfully completed, and we are grateful for the support and advice provided by Marslie as well as our team of solicitors at Burnetts."
The Shepherds Inn, located at the foot of Hartside Pass and situated nine miles east of Penrith, has attracted trade from travellers, tourists, and residents for more than two centuries.
The pub has been featured in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide and holds a five-star rating on TripAdvisor.
Marslie McGregor, business agent at Christie & Co, said: "The Shepherds Inn offered a brilliant opportunity for a hospitality operator to acquire a renowned, characterful, freehold premises in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.
"The business is highly regarded and has upheld an excellent reputation for many years.
"It was a pleasure selling the pub on behalf of Mike and Margaret, who are now looking forward to a well-deserved retirement, and I wish the new owners all the success in their new venture."
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