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Latimer Hinks expertise helps re-open historic pub
Latimer Hinks Solicitors has helped finalise a commercial deal, which has seen an historic North East village pub re-vitalised.
New owners Jill and Paul Jackson have bought for an undisclosed sum, the Vane Arms in Long Newton, near Stockton, which had been closed for two-and-a-half years.
Since the deal was completed, the couple have stripped out and completely refurbished the premises, creating what they describe as “a good quality old-fashioned pub with a modern twist”.
Nicola Neilson, a Partner at Latimer Hinks, said: “Facilities such as pubs play an important part in both the social and economic life of a village. Latimer Hinks is pleased to have played a part in helping Jill and Paul re-open an important local amenity.
“There has been so much news in recent months about rural pubs and shops being forced to close. At one time over the past year it was reported that up to 40 public houses per month were closing down across the UK. It was, therefore, a pleasure to be able to assist and be involved in this deal that will see two entrepreneurs realise their ambition of buying their local public house.”
Jill said: “Because of the nature of the acquisition, the deal was subject to challenges and complications. Latimer Hinks provided excellent service and Nicola Neilson’s professional advice and direction really were invaluable.
“Thanks to Nicola’s expertise, we have achieved a long-held ambition. We always said that if the Vane Arms came onto the market on a freehold basis we would buy it and return it to its former glory for the local and wider community.”
Jill and Paul, who currently works as a project manager, have drawn up a four phase plan for the pub’s renaissance.
The second stage will involve providing food, followed by revamping the beer garden and then creating en-suite bedrooms to offer bed and breakfast accommodation. At the moment the family are running the business themselves, but intend to start recruiting staff, including a cook, in the very near future.
Jill, who first moved to the village when she was 11, has a background in finance and administration and, in the past, has run her own business – a courier firm.
She added: “Long Newton is a close-knit community and the Vane Arms, which is over 100-years-old, has been a hub and not just a pub for the village. It has been a venue for celebrating events such as births, marriages etc, as well as a meeting place in times of adversity including long power cuts and heavy snow!
“As a local focal point, it holds a lot of memories for people. By buying and re-opening the Vane Arms, we wanted to preserve an important community aspect of village life.”
Nicola, who is head of Latimer Hinks Residential Property Department, also deals with the sale and purchase of commercial property and commercial landlord and tenant work. She is the current Senior Vice-President of the Council of The Tees Valley Law Society.
