The Fortescue Arms in Woolacombe is set for a transformation after its sale to a new owner.
- Local hotel operator Richard Wheeler has acquired the pub, known for its picturesque setting.
- The venue will feature a revamped dining experience, including a Sunday Carvery.
- The transaction was managed by Christie and Co, specialists in property advisory.
- Market interest was high, with multiple offers and viewings secured prior to the sale.
The Fortescue Arms, a beloved North Devon pub located in the idyllic setting of Woolacombe, has been acquired by Richard Wheeler, a seasoned local hotel operator. Known for its charming appeal and setting in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the pub is poised for significant renovation. The new ownership aims to revitalise the venue’s culinary offerings with the inclusion of a traditional Sunday Carvery, potentially drawing both locals and tourists alike.
Richard Wheeler, who also manages the Royal Britannia Hotel in nearby Ilfracombe, brings his extensive expertise in hospitality to this new venture. With an undisclosed purchase price, the deal underscores the strategic intentions of the new proprietor to harness the pub’s full potential. Plans include not only enhancing the menu but also updating the venue’s interiors and facilities, offering nine en-suite rooms and owners’ apartments.
The acquisition was facilitated by Christie and Co, a distinguished property advisory firm. Graeme Clifford of Christie and Co stated, “The Fortescue Arms captured a lot of people’s interest, attracting nine viewings and three offers. The new owner is an experienced hospitality operator with knowledge of the local market, and his plans to revitalise the pub and to create a brand-new food offering should bring a welcome return to much busier times at this venue.”
The property’s features, which include a bar, restaurant, former family room, and garden, are expected to see significant improvements catering to a broader market. Situated amidst Woolacombe’s scenic landscape, the pub’s potential is vast, especially with Wheeler’s vision of enhanced culinary and hospitality experiences. Multiple offers indicate its allure to investors and underscore the opportunity for growth and rejuvenation under new management.
The Fortescue Arms’ sale marks a pivotal moment, with revitalising efforts promising to enhance its community and commercial value.
