My New Pub

Robert Holt

Railway Inn

Forden, Powys, Wales

Agent: GA-Select

Robert Holt and family plan to boost turnover by up to 30% over the next year at the Railway Inn in Powys. Holt has been in the trade since he was a teenager. Starting off his career collecting bottles, he has worked behind the bar and, more recently, as a site manager at Beefeater.

He said that the pub was open for very limited hours under the previous owners and that he plans to boost takings by opening at midday. The pub will be run by Holt's family and a few part-time staff.

Holt said: "I've been in the trade for a while — it's great to finally take the reins. It's a rural country pub; there are other pubs round here, but none of them are open all day or do entertainment — that's how I'm going to get the business."

Holt's current project is the bar, which is being overhauled with new lines and pumps. He plans to offer his customers more choice with one extra real ale and two new lagers.

The pub offers traditional pub food with an Italian twist and incorporates a successful bed-and-breakfast operation. The business was sold off an asking price of £399,950, freehold.

Marc Blackford, of Guy Simmonds, said: "This was an excellent opportunity to acquire a delightful and extensive property offering two bar areas and five letting bedrooms. The Railway Inn was snapped up within a short time of coming on the market and created substantial interest".