Exciting plans and will once again welcome customers next month
Overview
For those that know it The Shipwrights is a charming, historic pub situated close to the Teign estuary and it will soon be opening its doors again with Nancy Morton and Elliot Vassallo at the helm and who come full of ideas to secure the long term future of the venue. Both come with considerable experience, working in hospitality all of their working lives, Nancy having run her own café on the Scilly Isles for the past 11 years and Elliot having previous experience in fine dining restaurants in London and the home counties.
Reopening timeline
Having received the keys to the pub in recent weeks they have been busy repairing and renewing the venue with a target to open for business from early May.
The vision for The Shipwrights Arms
Nancy comments ‘Our collective vision for the Shipwrights Arms is to pay homage to the history of the pub and to the working culture of the area to create a warming locals’ pub using a range of fresh local produce that has been well prepared and executed. A family and dog friendly pub with a passion for local arts & music; with a record player, library, open fires and board games.’
Who it’s for: locals, visitors and the wider community
Elliot continues ‘We would hope to attract a wide range of the local demographic by appealing to all groups including families, walkers, retirees, working locals, musicians, producers (ie. Local fishermen/farmers who’s produce we would hope to use) and of course tourists particularly during the summer months. By being ‘hands on’ landlord/lady we would hope to keep overheads down to create an affordable, high standard offering.
Food-led offering and future events
Aiming to create separate experiences for lunch and evening; from beautiful, honest, home cooking at lunchtime, to an intimate 18th century style chop house theme in the evening.’
Looking to hope to put all their passion and experience into the venue, Nancy and Elliot are looking to create a place where locals and visitors alike will feel welcome and relaxed and can appreciate the best of local ingredients in a friendly environment. Nancy would be the lunchtime chef with Elliot on the bar; for the evenings Elliot would be cheffing and Nancy hosting. They many ideas for future events and menus including hosting open mic nights, movie nights, lunchtime bbq’s, handmade pizza nights, plus an ‘in house’ smokehouse for fish and meat.
Market view
Michael Easton at Vickery Holman, who handled the process, concludes ‘Despite continuing challenges in the sector we are still seeing pub reopenings and experienced applicants, such as Nancy and Elliot, who look to keep overheads low and run something that they are passionate for – in this case community, local produce and live music. This follow a number of other transactions across the region, which keeps the doors open for pubs and communities for the longer term.’
For advice on pub sales, purchases and lettings across the South West, visit our Leisure page: Expert Advice for Leisure Property Owners in the South West – Vickery Holman
