Ampleforth pub goes up for sale
The White Swan at Ampleforth has been put up for sale with a freehold asking price of £850,000.
Agents Christies & Co said the pub, on the edge of the North York Moors national park, has had significant investment since the 1980s under the ownership of the Fawcett family, making it one of the premium pub-restaurants in the area. It is currently owned by Rob and Edward Fawcett.
Rob Fawcett said, “Edward and I sadly lost our late brother, Tony and sister, Joanna and since their passing last year it’s given us an unwelcome opportunity to reflect on life. I moved down to Northamptonshire a few years ago and sold my motorhome sales and rentals business and I now want to fully retire.
“We sold one of our other businesses, the Fairfax Arms over at Gilling East in 2021 and knew then that we wouldn’t keep the Swan forever, but the time feels right for us to move it on. Edward and I also still own Studford Lodges down the road which is a busy business itself, with Ed spending more and more time there.”
The Fawcetts will continue to operate the pub as usual until it is sold.
David Cash, Christie’s regional director for pubs and restaurants in the North, who is handling the sale, said, “The White Swan is currently run under management and presents an opportunity for an array of buyers to acquire a well performing freehold asset. In great condition and trading well, The White Swan is capable of supporting a management team and therefore may suit a multi-site operator. Equally, an owner-operator could look to embed themselves in the business alongside the incumbent team and likely maximise the profitability. The current owners are focused on other business interests, so there is significant scope to improve current trade levels.”
