E-Malt.com News article: UK: Brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame acquired Bull Inn, Newick

Shepherd Neame, the Kent-based Britain's oldest brewer and pub operator has acquired the country pub Bull Inn at Newick village, East Sussex, for an undisclosed sum, the brewer said in a company release August 29.

Dating back to 1510, the inn features oak beam ceilings, an open fire and a large, popular restaurant in a former milking parlour. The name The Bull does not relate to livestock however, but instead refers to a Papal Bull, a religious edict paper.

Famed for its Bonfire Night celebrations, Newick is the halfway point on the old Pilgrim route between Canterbury and Winchester and the Bull Inn is a popular resting place between the two cities. Situated on the A272, it is also just half an hour from Gatwick Airport.

The inn has eight double/twin ensuite rooms in a converted coaching house. A four-poster room, one room with a lounge and kitchenette and another with special facilities for disabled guests are all available.

The Bull Inn's new licensee is Jon Williams.

Shepherd Neame tenanted trade and property director George Barnes said: "The Bull Inn is steeped in history and we are delighted to add such a lively pub to our Sussex portfolio."

Shepherd Neame’s traditions can be traced back to the foundation of the brewery in 1698. The brewer and pub operator has now some 370 pubs across the South East of UK. Eighty-five per cent of the beer sold in its pubs is brewed at Faversham brewery. The brewery's portfolio includes traditional Kentish ales like Spitfire and Bishops Finger and internationally renowned lagers brewed under licence, such as Holsten Export (Germany), Kingfisher (India), Oranjeboom Pilsener (Holland), Sun Lik (Hong Kong) and Hurlimann Sternbrau (Switzerland).

For the six months ended 24 December 2005 Shepherd Neame announced turnover up 2.8% to GBP48.9 million, operating profit up 8.6% to GBP6.4 million, profit before tax up 7.0% to GBP5.4 million, profit before tax & exceptionals up 7.7% to GBP4.7 million, earnings per share up 7.7%% to GBP30.8, managed pub estate performed above expectation with like for like sales up 4.5%.


31 August, 2006