More positive news in the leisure sector as seaside pub will reopen
The Basset Arms has been closed for 18 months and is set to be transformed.
Set back from ever popular Portreath Beach, the Basset Arms had been available through commercial agents Vickery Holman and the new operators have big plans. It has been taken over by business partners and owners of the neighbouring Pod Café, Kelly Barker and Stephen Baker, who have been impressing customers since completely transforming this site a couple of years ago.
Stephen is well known to many in the hospitality industry as owner of Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, Venue of the 2021 G7 Summit, the Gannet Inn, Gannet House, Pod St Ives and a host of other leisure interests. Having completely redesigned the Pod Café, the business partners are looking to put the Basset Arms on the map with a complete refurbishment which has already begun.
Stephen comments – ‘We have had great success in Portreath with the Pod Café and the Basset Arms is a natural partner to the business with an opportunity to widen and diversify our food and drink offering. We will be creating new letting bedrooms and ultimately accommodation pods within the site which we know will be in high demand. Local job creation is important to us, as it is throughout the Carbis Bay Estate.”
Kelly adds – “The Pod Café has really taken off and become a central hub for the community and tourists. When we became aware of the Basset, we could see it was a natural fit to share resources in an ever demanding sector; not only is it in a superb position, but the entire property offers an opportunity to create something really special and for the long term. There is a fondness in the local area for the Basset and we hope to have it back open for the locals very soon.
Michael Easton at Vickery Holman handled the process and confirmed that Stephen and Kelly were not the only interested parties. He comments ‘In this instant we had considerable interest and a number of options. Whilst it is a great site, it is in need of considerable investment and it was felt that, given Stephen and Kelly’s background, they were well qualified to bring the property back to life and I look forward to seeing their success. The leisure sector has been under significant pressure but operators with good customer service, a consistent offering and a well-managed business are reporting continued customer demand and sites like the Basset Arms are certainly helped by their outstanding locations.’
Stephen concludes-“We have a considerable amount to undertake, employing local trades and craftsmen, but we are working at speed and look forward to having the venue up and running as soon as possible.”
Basset Arms, Portreath
