Chester landlords buy the Pied Bull

Aug 27 2009 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

Chester landlords buy the Pied Bull

A PAIR of pub landlords have landed the deal of a lifetime – by netting a Chester pub at a knockdown price.

John Wright and Carl Scourfield have been running the Pied Bull in Northgate Street since March 2007.

They approached pub chain Punch Taverns to buy the historic city centre inn in March this year after the company invited hundreds of licensees to make offers on their pubs.

The Pied Bull was valued at £1.45m but John and Carl eventually acquired it for the bargain price of £1m.

John, of Upton, Chester said: “We decided to buy it mainly because it worked out cheaper to buy it than renting.

“We are now free to stock ales from local micro-breweries and really expand the choice we offer to our customers.”

About 400 pubs across the UK have been sold to licensees after Punch Taverns opened up to offers.

Carl explained: “The company was desperate to sell because they needed to reduce their debt and they are in the process of getting rid of 25% of their estate.

“We were really lucky that we were able to take advantage of that and bag ourselves such a bargain!”

The pair have plans to further improve the business, including updating the 12 rooms, expanding their range of locally-produced beers and wines and making improvements to the menu.

But they are also keen to retain the unique character of the historic inn that has made it a favourite with locals and tourists.

Carl added: “We are planning to carry out a sympathetic restoration with help from English Heritage, but we aim to stay true to its history and not change too much.”