England’s oldest public house, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, has been brought to market.
The property, which holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records, is held on the remainder of a 10-year franchise lease from Mitchell & Butlers ending in 2019. It includes an outdoor area and a two-bedroom flat. Davis Coffer Lyons is inviting leasehold offers from the market from £150,000 pa.
Paul Tallentyre, director of pubs at Davis Coffer Lyons, which is advising on the sale, said: “This is a charming building which has been added to over the years but the original timber-framed structure is clearly visible. It is currently a 70/30 wet-led business with an advised annual turnover in excess of £600,000. Such a great looking and unspoilt traditional pub in such a scenic and historical location is a rare opportunity.
“Inside, this is a classic, cosy local with a characterful sunken bar room in the original cockfighting pit. As St Albans is home to CAMRA, beer standards are high locally, and it has a great reputation for a fine array of real ales.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
