Tadcaster hits the 60-pub mark

Tenanted and leased pubco Tadcaster Pub Company has reached the 60 outlet barrier with the acquisition of a 16th century coaching inn said to be haunted by several different ghosts.

The Ancient Unicorn pub in the village of Bowes, Teesdale, is a busy food-led outlet that also has a strong wet and letting trade. The pub is run by lessees Joanne Foster and Elaine Clare. Their team at the pub is also reputed to include the ghosts of two lovers who where kept apart in life but are now reunited in spectral form, and the spirit of an unknown 12 year-old boy.

Less ethereal facilities at the Ancient Unicorn include a 40-seater a-la-carte restaurant, and seven letting rooms.

Tadcaster managing director James Crawfurd-Porter said: "Smashing the 60 outlet barrier is a significant milestone for Tadcaster Pub Company, and the Ancient Unicorn is the perfect acquisition for us to achieve that target.

"The imposing property benefits from a number of channels for building trade and is crammed full of character because of its age and supposedly haunted reputation. You certainly get a sense of history walking through the door, and it's easy to see why generations of travellers have visited the pub to soak up the unique atmosphere."

"We have significant investment plans for the Ancient Unicorn to ensure Joanne and Elaine can capitalise on the location of the property, which is on the Pennine Way, a well-travelled route for walkers and cyclists," added James Crawfurd-Porter. "This supports Tadcaster Pub Company's strategy of raising the quality of its estate with targeted spend on refurbishments, new build projects and further hand-picked acquisitions."