A popular restaurant with rooms is on the market for £1.95 million after its owners have decided to retire.
1863 Restaurant with Rooms first opened in Pooley Bridge in 2016 by Mark and Anne Vause. In 2022, head chef Phil Corrie joined them to run the business.
For over 150 years, 1863 has been a cornerstone of the village. It was built first as the village blacksmith and later it became the post office.
The present owners undertook an entire refurbishment and rebrand of the building in 2016.
Additional work continued in the following years so that today the business comprises:
- Successfully trading as an established hotel and award-winning licenced restaurant – currently operating five days a week with scope to increase to seven.
- The main building has eight en suite guest bedrooms two of which are junior suites and one is a ground floor guest apartment
- A ninth ground floor guest room is also ready to fit out
- Primary ground works has commenced for a 140sq m three bed detached house on site
- Internal restaurant seating for 38 covers
- Current staff team of 10 led by head chef and general manager Phil Corrie
- Landscaped garden with terrace suitable for additional al fresco dining
- Nine on-site parking spaces
- Scope to revise the existing business operation subject to all necessary consents
The business has garnered regional and national recognition. The restaurant currently holds three AA rosettes and is featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide and the Good Hotel Guide. The team has also won the Cumbria Tourism Taste Award.
A statement said: “It is is a retirement sale following 16 years of successful trading.
“Having put a strong management team in place, the current owners have been able to take a back step over the last two years, to re-establish their own personal work-life balance and create a largely hands-off operation.
“This now presents an ideal opportunity for either investors or owner-operators who are seeking a lifestyle change in a stunningly beautiful location and renowned tourist destination.”
