Changing outlook for Cornish pubs

A property agent based in the South West has revealed that up to 90% of pubs in Cornwall are bought by outsiders, the majority of whom are from the South East.

Miller Commercial, which specialises in commercial property in Cornwall and Devon, claims that a significant amount of pub leases and freeholds have come onto the market over the past few years - and most of these have been purchased by non-residents.

Terry Trevarthen, of Miller Commercial, said: "We've certainly seen a marked increase in non-Cornish buyers looking for pubs in the county. The vast majority of them are looking for freehouses and are new to the trade."

The situation mirrors the Cornish residential market, which has seen an enormous influx of non-Cornish residents buying property.

Pubs in Cornwall are an attractive proposition for people looking to sell up and escape built-up areas of the UK because they offer a consistent source of income as well as a home.

"Early indications suggest that poor weather in the county and recent interest-rate rises have caused an increase in the number of pubs on the market," said Graham Timmins, also of Miller Commercial.

"Of course, this is on the back of two years of reform in the pub industry, with the introduction of the Licensing Act and the smoking ban." Chairman of the East Cornwall LVA Ally Yeoman said: "It's certainly happening, particularly in the north of Cornwall, in places such as Padstow, Newquay and Bude.

"I think it's something that Cornish people take issue with. It's particularly bad news when country pubs get taken over by people with no connection to the area."