Landlords shocked over Whitchurch bar sale move
A successful Shropshire pub has been put up for sale for £350,000 – to the surprise of its landlords.
Sean Embrey, who manages the Dog and Bull in Coton, near Whitchurch, said he was "shocked" when pub chain Punch Taverns put the building on the market.
Mr Embrey, who took over the running of the pub with his mother Amanda Hartshorn in August 2012, said business is heading in the right direction after a difficult first year.
Now the pair are hoping someone will buy the pub and allow them to stay on in charge.
Mr Embrey said: "We have been here for a few years and business is actually going well. We have built up trade because over the past 10 years the pub has been opened and closed, opened and closed.
"They say the first year is always the hardest in business and we got through that and started to see money in the till and footfall increase, but then we were dealt this bombshell.
"We know there has been some interest and that there is a good chance we will be kept on so that is what we are hoping for now."
The 17th century Grade II-listed building is being sold by agents Sidney Phillips for freehold offers in the region of £350,000.
The building underwent an extensive refurbishment three years ago but is being sold as Punch Taverns seeks to cut costs.
Mr Embrey said the pub was important to the local community.
"When we had the stormy weather we were absolutely packed," he said. "What my mum and I have tried to do is go back to basics and create a community pub with good pub food.
"If we weren't here people would have to travel to Whitchurch or Shrewsbury for their local.
"We want to stay because we are doing well and we enjoy it here. But it is also vital that the pub is sold to someone who wants to keep it as a pub and not sell it for development."
Punch Taverns was not available for comment.
A statement from Sidney Phillips said: "The Dog and Bull is a high quality attractive building set in over half an acre. It offers exceptional trading areas which were subject to major refurbishment three years ago."
Councillor Bev Horsley, from Wem Rural Parish Council, added: "The pub has had a chequered history over the last 15 years and has been up for sale three or four times. I do hope somebody buys it."
