Pub up for sale as its owners retire
A much-loved pub near Bath has been put on the market for the first time in a quarter of a century.
The Hope and Anchor at Midford is a popular venue just 10 minutes’ drive from the city and near the Two Tunnels cycleway.
Along with local cider and beer, it offers barista-brewed coffee, juice and a varied food menu, including paninis, burgers and pies.
Some parts of the cosy tavern date back to the 1600s and it was enlarged in the 18th century during the Somerset canal boom.
According to the pub’s website, it got its name around this time in an attempt to gain trade from the barges.
By the 20th century, the inn was owned by Courage Breweries, but it became a free house in 1976.
Nowadays, it boasts a large terrace garden and car park, as well as roomy owners’ accommodation with four bedrooms.
The three-storey pub has around 100 covers in total.
Its current owners took over 26 years ago, but they have now decided to retire.
They have enjoyed a successful stint, thanks to trade from nearby Frome, Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, as well as from cyclists. There is also an influx of retired lunchtime customers on weekdays.
The Hope and Anchor has received rave reviews on Tripadvisor.
One man who visited the pub in October gave it a five-star rating and wrote: “Many, many thanks for the way our walking group of 18 was looked after at lunchtime yesterday.
“The food was excellent and was produced so efficiently that we were able to be on our way to Bath within the hour!
“All of our group were very impressed with our choice of pub for lunch and I’m sure that many will wish to return when they are next near Bath.”
Another customer who ate there this autumn, and who also gave it five stars, said: “My family visited from up north and I brought them here as a friend recommended.
“There was a lovely selection of specials. My wife had a delicious swordfish dish and i took the lamb shank, which was smashing!
“The rest of the family had pub classics – fish & chips and steak & ale pie. We had an amazing time with excellent service.
“The bill came to approx £20 a person; well priced.”
More details about the sale are available on the Christie & Co website at www.christie. com/3451372.