A Devon pub has gone on the market for £385,000. The Hickory Inn, in Halberton, near Tiverton, is described as a "substantial and very well established freehouse" in a "pretty village".
Prospective buyers of the freehold are told the building has a "character main bar" and "impressive" 70 seater restaurant, along with a fully-equipped commercial kitchen, outside seating and a large car park. It also has owners' accommodation which estate agents say could be split into two flats.
The pub has been closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays since the start of April, with a notice on its website saying the decision was due to "low trading and staff shortages". It said this would be "for the foreseeable".
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Property agents Bettesworths said in a brochure on the sale: "The Hickory Inn is an extremely well-established business, which benefits from a huge and growing catchment area with additional housing developments in Tiverton, Willand' Cullompton and Sampford Peverell. Whilst the business operates as a food led establishment, there is still the opportunity to exploit wet sales through additional emphasis on the 'locals' market, which had been its focus as the Barge Inn pre 2014 and the New Inn in years gone by.
"The Hickory currently is operated as a grill and bar and prides itself on freshly prepared food, cooked with locally sourced products and as election of North American style dishes on offer. The Hickory inn also caters for vegetarian and vegan diners too and the Sunday all you can eat buffet is particularly popular attracting customers from all over Devon each week."
The pub's main bar is described as a "character room with centrally positioned timber topped bar servery", with a pool table, stone fireplaces and flat screen TV. The restaurant is said to be an "impressive and substantial open vaulted room with exposed ceiling beams", along with oak flooring and double doors to the garden area. The room also has a stage for live music events and private parties.
It said the dog-friendly pub has a range of Devon draught ales and holds events including live music, quiz nights and a weekly breakfast club, placing it "very much at the heart of the community".
The brochure adds: "Whilst the business is currently based around the Grill theme, this does not have to apply to a new owner, who would be free to stamp their own character on the business through any number of alternatives. The Hickory Inn has a great community feel and is very well supported by the village, which will undoubtedly continue no matter what style of operation a new owner decides to adopt."
For more information and viewings, call Bettesworths on 01803 212021.
