A Grade II-listed coaching inn near Snowdon in North Wales has been sold to Carl Holden and Brian Jones, who have a combined 45 years’ experience in the licensed and restaurant trade.
The Foelas Arms hotel at Pentrefoelas dates back to the 17th century (although some parts go back to the 13th century). It gained its coaching licence in 1839 and was a stopping-off point for the Royal Mail Coach on its journey from London to Holyhead.
The stone-built hotel, which sits at the gateway to Snowdonia National Park, has 10 letting bedrooms and seating for a total of 160 diners across the restaurant and function room areas.
The new owners have hired a four-star chef in order to boost food sales from 10% to 40% of the trade mix. They also want to increase the accommodation business from 20% to 30% of total sales.
The Hereford office of Sidney Phillips sold the inn off a guide price of £420,000 on behalf of Andrew and Christine Clutton.
By Angela Frewin