Charnwood pubco on market for just under £5m

The Marc Craddock-led group, which is generating turnover of c£3.5m, operates an estate of freehold businesses, throughout central England and has instructed Matthew Phillips Surveyors to offer the properties to the market.

M&C understands that an approach has already been made for the entire group and that interest is expected in packages and individual sites from national and local operators.

Albion is currently reviewing options for its other sector investment Bravo Inns.

Established in 2005, Charnwood’s portfolio includes Bbq and Brews, a recently refurbished Smokehouse bar and restaurant on the main circuit in Hereford, two Coaching Inns - The Lion Hotel in Buckden, Cambridgeshire, a 14 bedroom village centre unit and The Red Lion, Stretham near Ely, an 11 bedroom Inn - together with The Coach and Horses at Wellingborough, a very successful cask ale and cider house.

It also operates two food led houses. The Fortescue Arms at Billingborough is a quality characterful village centre food led house and The Three Fyshes at Turvey, close to Bedford, lies on the banks of The River Ouse. Finally, the Chequers is an half timbered public house on the edge of Leominster town centre.

Craddock said: “Charnwood has established a high quality estate of public houses over the last decade. In view of the improving market conditions and upward trading trend of the majority of the houses, the time is right to conclude an orderly sale to allow other operators to take the businesses to the next level.”

Matt Phillips of Matthew Phillips Surveyors said: “The seven pubs are offered to the market as a package with consideration given to small groups and individual sales. These are a group of high quality businesses which will be attractive to Pub Cos, small and regional brewers, multiples and individual freetraders and investors.”