The Railway Inn at Fairford, Gloucestershire is back on the market with Colliers International following country pub operator Gerry Stonhill’s decision to take life a little easier.
Located on one of the main visitor routes between Cirencester and Lechlade-on-Thames, the pub is popular with tourists as well as locals, and offers in excess of £350,000 are invited for the freehold.
Flamboyant Stonhill — who previously ran the Individual Mason Arms and a legendary cigar club at South Leigh, near Witney, Oxfordshire — first hit the headlines in 2008 for flouting the smoking ban at his pub, which also had its own helicopter pad.
Stonhill sold the Mason Arms, once described by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc as his “all-time favourite”, to revive the Railway Inn.
“Gerry was looking for a good country pub as a retirement venture and The Railway Inn in Fairford — although not actually on the market at the time — fitted the bill,” explained Colliers International’s hotels director, Peter Brunt.
“He immediately refurbished, smartening the bar and updated the owner’s flat. He is keen to spend more time travelling and having always displayed a singular zest for life has decided he would rather make the most of those opportunities — hence his decision to sell.”
The Railway Inn has been trading in the village – best known for the Royal International Air Tattoo – for more than 250 years and underwent a massive revamp six years ago.
“Gerry’s alterations mean it now comes with a lovely open-plan bar and dining area that can seat around 40 with plenty of space to stand – not to mention a superb one-bedroomed flat,” Brunt added.
“There is tremendous character and atmosphere in this pub, which is recognised and enjoyed by its customers. What’s not to love?”
For further details about the sale of the Railway Inn, contact Peter Brunt at Colliers International on Bristol 0117 917 2000.
Posted by Cliff Goodwin
Photo by Colliers International
