Paddock Inns acquires site from Woodward & Falconer

The Celtic Arms at Northop Country Park, near Mold, has been sold for an undisclosed sum in an off-market deal to Paddock Inns by Chester-based pub operator Woodward & Falconer.

The transaction was brokered by Tim Martin of Fleurets’ Manchester office.

Sale-based Paddock Inns are headed by Nathan Jordan and Jose Lourenco and they currently operate the Plough Inn at Eaton in Congleton, Cheshire.

This deal allows them to grow their operation with the duo commenting: “The Celtic Arms is a perfect fit for our business as we feel that there is an opportunity to maintain the existing trade yet at the same time, develop the function and wedding trade by bringing what we have learnt at the Plough.

“We believe that with the help of the great team we have around us, we can drive forward with both the Plough and the Celtic Arms.”

The Celtic Arms was developed by Woodward & Falconer in 2014 when they converted the old Golf club at Northop Country Park into a destination foodhouse.

Jeremy Woodward said: “We are very proud of what we have created and we are pleased that Nathan and Jose will bring their energy and vision to the next chapter for the Celtic Arms.”

Woodward & Falconer was founded by Jeremy Woodward & Duncan Falconer and they now retain an interest in only one site, having previously sold four pubs to Hydes Brewery in 2015.

These sales have allowed Mr Falconer the opportunity to pursue his new career as a commercial pilot.

Commenting on the deal, Tim Martin from Fleurets, said: “We marketed the pub discreetly, seeking offers in excess of £2m and it was during discussions with Paddock Inns that it became clear that the Celtic Arms would be the perfect fit for them.

“This deal reiterates Fleurets’ capabilities with handling discrete marketing campaigns; our understanding of the trade enables us to source suitable purchasers on a discrete and bespoke basis.”