More positive news in the pub trade this week following the sale of the Clock House Inn, Chideock, well-known to locals and frequent travellers on the A35.
Occupying a roadside position, the thatched inn had been in family ownership for many years and was completely rebuilt with the help of the community following a fire in 2015. Sadly, due to other commitments the Clock closed in December last year, but the doors will soon be open again with new owners, Alex and Matt.
Acting on behalf of the former owners, Vickery Holman handled the process and our head of hotels and hospitality Michael Easton comments: ‘The Clock House is a great example of a traditional village pub and we are delighted to have found new publicans to take the reins from our clients. Although the pub closed in December last year, we know that the locals really wanted their pub back and feel confident that Alex and Matt will go on to have great success. Our clients are delighted that Matt and Alex were the successful party as it secures the future of the Clock and it is just one of a number of re-openings that we are dealing with across the region right now. It’s good to see some green shots of recovery in the sector.’
Matt and Alex began their careers in hospitality with Matt managing a very busy and successful pub in St Albans whilst Alex worked in various hospitality roles at her local rugby club and local pubs in her early career. For the past ten years they have been working in the corporate world in sales and marketing events but this year decided to pursue their lifelong dream of owning a pub of their own. Alex comments ‘Both Matt and I are passionate about quality and friendly hosting as well as providing a high standard of service along with great food and drinks. We are committed to bringing local food, drink suppliers and produce to the menus as well as keeping our prices for food and drink competitive. The food menus will bring fun and nostalgia from starters such as Matt’s famous scotch eggs, to the Jurassic themed kids’ menu while featuring weekly specials and kitchen themed nights. We are excited to welcome back the skittles and darts teams to the skittles alley and games room and will be adding a pool table to the games room.’
Matt adds ‘We will hold regular events and entertainment throughout the year such as live music, quiz nights, bingo, and seasonal celebrations. Further down the line the rooms upstairs will be refurbished into cosy and tasteful, B&B rooms for visitors to kick back and relax, with comfortable beds and calming decor. We know how important it is for many to make memories with their four-legged friends and so we will be dog friendly in every aspect, including the bedrooms, and will provide amenities for dogs in the pub too. We cannot wait to get started and already we have had the locals looking in and asking when we will be open.’
Michael concludes ‘This has been a great deal to work on and special mention goes to Matt Chalfont-Griffin of Chubb Bullied solicitors and Ros Baston from Porter Dodson , who both worked tirelessly for their respective clients to move matters on in a timely fashion. Credit also to Anthony Booker of ASC finance brokers for sourcing funding to make the deal happen.’
The Clock House Inn will be opening the doors again on Friday 16th August 2024.
