Pub Acquisition for Managed Operation in the Cotswolds
£840,000 · 15 years · 6.75% fixed 3 yrs. An experienced hospitality operator acquired a freehold Cotswolds pub with letting rooms from a retiring landlord.
The Client
Experienced hospitality operator
The Challenge
An experienced hospitality operator acquired a freehold Cotswolds pub with letting rooms from a retiring landlord. The property had strong historical trading figures but a two-year gap in audited accounts during COVID made some lenders cautious. Post-pandemic trading had fully recovered.
Our Solution
Doulton presented the application with a detailed trading analysis normalising the COVID period and demonstrating the recovery trajectory. A specialist hospitality lender was identified with a pragmatic approach to COVID-era accounts. The strong location, freehold nature, and operator's track record across two other venues supported the case.
The Outcome
Pub purchased and operational from day one of ownership. Food and accommodation revenue in the first full year exceeded the pre-COVID peak by 18%. Mortgage comfortably serviced from trading income. Key highlights: COVID-era accounts gap managed with specialist lender; Operator's multi-site track record strengthened case; Revenue 18% above pre-COVID peak in year one.