Six Wiltshire pubs in need of new landlords

The pub trade wasn’t simple before the pandemic, and it won’t be back to true normality for some time.

But new landlords are needed to help rural pubs emerge and thrive as restrictions continue to ease.

Wadworth, based in Devizes, has pubs across the South West, with a variety of opportunities for managed or tenanted roles.

They promise that “there are great rewards that come with being at the heart of the community.

Many of the roles on offer are in more rural pockets of the county, such as villages or countryside locations.

In Rowde, a fresh face is needed at the Cross Keys.

Also known as the “Keys” by villagers, it has three separate trading areas, bar, dining room and skittle alley which is also used as a function room.

There is potential to develop on the food offer along with maintaining the community local feel of the pub, continuing hosting various village and fundraising events throughout the year.

The advert states: “This is an ideal opportunity for someone wishing to embark on a first business venture within the licensed trade, or an experienced couple.”

The Moonrakers in Devizes

The Moonrakers in Devizes, also known as the Moonies, is also seeking a new landlord. Located just a short walk from the busy market town of Devizes, the Moonrakers has recently undergone a refurbishment with two defined trading areas, one with the bar and pool table, the other set for dining with a total capacity of 60.

Good catering skills are vital for whoever takes on the role at this pub.

There is a tenanted pub vacancy at the Old Bell Hotel, at the Market Place in Warminster.

The hotel has 15 en suite rooms set over two floors that have recently been refurbished to a high standard.

Trade areas include a function room with its own bar, recently refurbished main bar area and an enclosed courtyard that can sit circa 50 people Warminster is approximately 17 miles from Bath and close to the Longleat safari park and Center Parcs Longleat Forest.

A similar role exists in Market Lavington, at the Green Dragon on the High Street. Wadworth are on the hunt for someone “ideally suited to a village environment, having the ability to become a key member of a small community.”

The pub is popular with walkers and cyclists for it’s location on the King Alfred Way Cycle Path and the Wessex Ridge Way.

It also has a skittle alley and a function room.

The Green Dragon in Market Lavington

Wadworth add: “The new business partners here will be ideally suited to a village environment, having the ability to become a key member of a small community. This site would suit an experienced couple with catering knowledge looking to live and work in this charming village pub.”

In Poulshot, there is a tenanted pub vacancy at the Raven Inn. The pub sits within “glorious countryside” near to Devizes, and is described as a “quintessential traditional village pub”, with ales served directly from the cask behind the bar.

Wadworth say: “The new Business Partners here will ideally need to have had some catering and bar experience. The ability to engage in the village and become an integral part of the community would be advantageous.

“This is a great opportunity for a couple to live in a lovely setting and develop this business.”

At the Cross Keys in Wanborough, a hamlet near Swindon, an “experienced couple in a food led operation” are desired to bring forward its service.

Popular with walkers and cyclists, Wadworth expect to see a split of 40% wet, 60% food, with an approximate turnover of £530,000.

Wadworth are also recruiting for fresh faces at their watering holes more further afield.

Other pubs that are awaiting new landlords include the Strode Arms in Somerset, the Cherry Tree in Oxfordshire.

To find out more about any of the roles, go to www.wadworth.co.uk/run-a-pub/tenanted-pub-vacancies