Tenants buy Peak District pub in six-figure deal

Tenants Keith and Bronya Fitzsimmons have bought The Knockerdown Inn in Ashbourne after running the 17th Century Inn for 20 years in a six-figure deal backed by The Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Knockerdown Inn, based near Carsington Water in Ashbourne, is a traditional stone pub. The couple have extended the facilities available over the years to include a camp site and a children’s play area to target the family market.

Under their new ownership, the couple have embarked on a refurbishment project to renovate the children’s play area, install new toilet facilities, refurbish the restaurant and decorate the pub throughout.

Bronya Fitzsimmons said: “Becoming the owners was a simple transition as Keith and I have become part of the fixtures and fittings over the last 20 years. This move creates consistency for our customers but more importantly it allows us to invest in the pub knowing there is a vested interest for us both. We hope to complete the refurbishment in time for Easter so we can welcome our customers and show off all of our hard work.

“Royal Bank of Scotland has been so supportive over the years and we are pleased they could structure a funding deal that allowed us to take on the ownership. This provides us with the long-term security we were after as well as allowing us to run an independent pub in a beautiful part of the Peak District.”

Richard Temperton, relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Keith and Bronya have proved they are natural publicans so there was never any doubt in helping to fund their aspirations of becoming the new owners. We wish them well as they complete the refurbishment and enjoy the opportunities this will bring.”