Family brewer Fuller, Smith and Turner continues to resist turbulent economic conditions with the acquisition of a Grade II-listed pub in North London.
Following strong interim trading results announced in November, the London Pride brewer and pub operator completed the purchase of the Holly Bush, Hampstead, on 23 December.
The pub, which currently operates with a 55/45 split in favour of drinks, was sold by a private owner for an undisclosed sum and brings Fuller’s estate to 367 pubs.
Simon Emeny, managing director of Fuller’s Inns, described the Holly Bush as a “beautiful, charming pub with lots of little quirks in its personality which have endeared it to its customers over the years.”
He added: “The Holly Bush is a perfect fit with the other wonderful pubs we have purchased this year and I am absolutely thrilled to have been able to add this one to our estate just before the end of 2009.”
The vendor, property developer Simon Kirkham, said the main reason for the sale was to re-invest in his most recent project, the Great Western Studios in London, W2.
He said: “I’ve been here for exactly 10 years and I didn’t want to sell the pub to just anyone. We had a great deal of interest from a wide range of parties and it was important to not be tempted by the highest price, but to consider the pub’s future.”
The Holly Bush has operated as a pub since 1807 and stands on the site of an old stable block.
Chris Bickle, the acting agent at commercial property consultant Davis Coffer Lyons, said: “This is one of those pubs that anyone who loves the trade would want to have. It is absolutely packed with history and character and underlying this is a very successful business with real growth potential for Fullers.”
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By Janie Stamford
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