A Weston businessman has taken the ‘perfect opportunity’ to fulfil a lifelong ambition of owning a pub.
The Bristol House, in Milton Road, has been bought by Pete Tilley, bringing years of uncertainty to an end.
The pub’s patrons have endured a rollercoaster ride, with supermarkets Tesco and the Co-operative both failing in convenience store conversion efforts in the past five years thanks to well-supported campaigns.
The Mercury reported last week that the pub was sold to an unnamed buyer by Enterprise Inns prior to being auctioned with a guide price of £285,000.
But it can now be revealed it has been bought by Proper Job owner Mr Tilley, who plans to revamp the building ‘inside and out’ before running it as a pub.
Mr Tilley has appointed friend Graham Davies to manage the pub, and the duo cannot wait to get underway.
Mr Tilley said: “I’ve always wanted to run a pub. It’s a good opportunity and we’re going to have some fun along the way.
“The place had been on the market for a while and the opportunity fell into place that Graham was available, so we put the two pieces together as it was a perfect opportunity.”
The new owners are now embarking on a four-to-six-week refurbishment of the building which will be completed by early November.
Mr Tilley added: “We know that people want a pub in this area if the offering is right. It needs to be clean and tidy, and affordable for people – and if it is we think there is a very good market for it.
“It’s a wonderful building that needs a bit of love and attention, and it will be freshened up and brought back to life.”
The pub will not be tied to any brewery, will feature a ‘classic pub grub’ offering, and the prospect of regularly hosting live music is being considered.
Mr Davies said he ‘can’t wait’ to start pulling pints when the pub opens, and added: “We’re going to bring a new energy, and we want to get it back to being a locals’ pub – with an atmosphere to attract families too.”
Mark Thyer, of the Save The Bristol House campaign, said: “We are aware the owners have always had a lifelong desire to do something like this although it is not totally in line with their business model.
“If this is the case then we are all absolutely delighted.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here