The owners of a tiny tavern in a popular seaside town which has been blessed by a former Archbishop are on the hunt for new pub landlords, after putting it for sale.
The Old Boatshed in Withernsea is currently run by two couples and it has proved to be a popular haunt for tourists and locals, having been transformed into a micropub nine ago. Built in 1881, the building at 2 Seaside Road served as the lifeboat station for many years after being built at a cost of £375, closing in 1913 when the lifeboat transferred to a new experimental station at Easington.
The building was empty when former owners took it on in 2015, transforming it into a safe haven to socialise while supping on real ales, craft beers and cider. Ahead of its opening, in March 2016, it even got a visit from Dr John Sentamu, the former Archbishop of York, who visited the bar and performed a blessing upon the building.
The current owners have been running The Old Boatshed for the last six years but are now seeking early retirement, prompting the search for new occupiers. And with its base in the seaside town, with a thriving summer trade and nearby attractions such as Spurn National Nature Reserve, the property agents are hopeful a new buyer will see how it makes it a popular destination all year round.
The freehold of the property – a two-storey detached brick building under a pitched slate roof – is up for sale for £190,000 to include goodwill and fixtures and fittings, and the current owners will stay on until a sale is finalised, to ensure continuity of business.
Marketing materials from property agents Sidney Phillips detail how the “superbly presented” pub has an open plan trading area with room for approximately 50 people, with a wooden floor, atmospheric lighting and a bar servery made from solid wood.
In addition to the bar is a small kitchenette, toilets and a large cellar based to the rear of the pub.
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The first floor also has planning consent allowing new owners to convert it into a spacious one bedroom apartment. At the moment, permission is for the flat to be either a holiday home or manager’s flat.
Ray Vilka, regional valuations manager – Yorkshire and Northern Counties,at Sidney Phillips, said: “The current owners have owned and operated The Old Boatshed for over six years and are now thinking of retirement. Over the years, they have built up a good local clientele and the pub is very popular with the local community.
“The current owners operate for just 48 weeks per year and open for 30 hours a week and turns over approximately £115,000 per annum. We are of the opinion that there is potential to increase trade further by extending the opening hours during the peak holiday season and introducing bar snacks.”