Charles Wells Purchases The Knife and Cleaver
Charles Wells Ltd has announced that it has completed the purchase of The Knife and Cleaver public house in Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire.
“The Knife and Cleaver is a 17th Century inn of great character” commented Richard Burt, Commercial and Property Director of Charles Wells Pub Company “and is a fantastic addition to our estate. It’s previously enjoyed a good reputation in the surrounding area and attracted diners from across the County and we hope that a redevelopment we have planned will help restore it to its rightful position as a dining pub of choice.”
The pub is well positioned to take advantage of the vibrant Bedfordshire economy that includes the Wixams and proposed Center Parcs developments and the NIRAH project in nearby Stewartby. The refurbishment is expected to improve the living and trading areas of the pub, providing a welcoming location for visitors whether they’re looking for great drinks, excellent food or high specification letting accommodation.
“The final piece of our jigsaw will be finding the right licensee to run The Knife and Cleaver as their own pub business” continued Richard Burt. “We’re looking for experienced operators to come on board as early as possible so that we can work together on the redevelopment and offer the support to help them provide a great pub experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone with catering experience to make a real impact on the hospitality industry in Bedfordshire and, with our award-winning support available to them, I’m sure The Knife and Cleaver will become a popular venue once again.”
The Knife and Cleaver is currently closed but it’s hoped that suitable licensees will be found, refurbishment completed and the pub back up and running again before the summer. It’s the first acquisition since Charles Wells completed purchase of 31 pubs in Summer 2009 but demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to buying suitable properties when they come available
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For immediate release: Friday 14th January 2011
For further information, contact: Kate Hempsall, Charles Wells Pub Company
Tel: +44 (0)1234 272625
