The Mount Ambrose Inn, Redruth, had been closed since 2022 and although it was a popular pub, it had a long history of good and bad landlords. Our Leisure team were keen to support the community and acting on behalf of owners, Keltek Brewery, we started the process of finding a new landlord who could take on the pub and build it back up.
Former professional snooker player, David Finbow, loves Cornwall and had just sold a pub in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. He saw the potential at the Mount Ambrose and was keen to run the pub with a focus on the community.
He comments ‘After working on the main snooker pro tour for 15 years I lived in Spain for few years, came back to the UK in 2014 and bought a small local community pub in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. I spent time upgrading it, and similar to the Mount Ambrose, it had a long history of good and bad landlords but had a great affection from the locals who were keen that the pub be returned to its former position as a quality pub and the hub of the community. I ran it for 5 years and enjoyed it a lot, not just for the social side but also because I played for the pool and darts team. I decided to sell in 2019 and I still visit the pub 2 or 3 times a year, as I have some great friends up there, some of whom can’t wait to come and see me down here.
I had started playing snooker again whilst I was at the pub and had a couple of cracks at the main tour Q School. In 2021 won 5 matches and narrowly missed out on getting back on the main tour. Whilst I enjoyed this, I I wanted to go back into business running my own pub. I found the Mount Ambrose and realised the potential was similar to the pub in Ashby. I have been a visitor to Cornwall since my teens as my grandparents lived in Falmouth. I can’t wait to get the pub open as everyone has been so lovely towards me and the affection everybody seems to have for the pub really shows.’
Vickery Holman marketed the pub thoroughly, and when David Finbow approached us, we had no hesitation in putting him forward.
Owned by nearby Keltek brewery, their managing director Stewart Cawte adds ‘Whilst we had lots of interest in the Mount Ambrose during its closure, we never felt the right publican came forward until we meet David. His knowledge of the industry and passion for community locals shone through and we look forward to supporting David in this venture.’
Acting on behalf of Keltek, Vickery Holman handled the process and Mike Easton comments ‘This is a good news story for both the locals and the industry itself. Despite the challenging environment for pubs, this is one of three new openings we have dealt with this month. There have been a number of other closed sites we are acting on, where terms are agreed for reopening in the Autumn. In this case, David was an excellent applicant, who understood the needs of the supportive community around Mount Ambrose, and I look forward to seeing the results. ‘
The pub reopened in August 2024.
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