Nick Sowerby and Charlotte Black are selling a business.
The Royal Oak Inn, which has been part of the Carlisle’s history for more than 250 years, is up for sale and in search of a new owner.
The pub has been owned and managed by Nick Sowerby and Charlotte Black since Valentine’s Day 2007. Situated in a hamlet on the outskirts of Carlisle, the inn sees many customers travelling from surrounding areas to enjoy the home cooked menu or to have a quiet pint.
The charismatic inn has had more than £100,000 worth of renovations in the past decade, and has wood burning stoves and beamed ceilings. The age of the building means that the doorways are slightly lower than we are normally used to, so taller customers often need to be advised to mind their heads.
The owners are looking to take a well-earned retirement, and have turned to business broker Hilton Smythe to help them sell the business.
Gareth Smyth, Group Managing Director at Hilton Smythe, said: “Buying a business like a pub is a great idea for people wanting to be their own boss. Village pubs, like the Royal Oak Inn, are the cornerstone of the community, and have loyal customers as well as passing trade. It’s a great source of income, and gives you the chance to get to know people, especially the characters.
“It’s great to see that younger people are becoming landlords, as it breathes new life into the industry. There was a time when the idea of a family business, such as a country pub, might have been considered unfashionable, so I’m very pleased that more people can see the potential in running their own pub.”
Nick Sowerby said: “I bought the pub about ten years ago, because I wasn’t ready to retire and I wanted something to occupy myself. I have a grandson now, so I feel ready to retire, so I can spend more time with my growing family.
“The best thing about running the Royal Oak Inn has been meeting all the customers. There’s a real sense of community, and there’s always new people coming by to try the food or enjoy the atmosphere. We never have any problems filling the bottle banks at the end of the week!”