New operators take on three pubs in Northamptonshire

The Alexandra Arms in Kettering is a well-loved community pub specialising in real ales. The pub regularly features in the Good Pub Guide and was recently included in The Telegraph’s 500 Best Pubs in England, known for being a traditional drinkers’ paradise with brewery-related décor from floor to ceiling.

The previous licensee had operated The Alexandra Arms for more than two decades, building a loyal customer base and strong legacy.

Following a sale process with Christie & Co, a new lease for the pub has been taken on by Potbelly Brewery, who have already operated the pub on a short-term basis.

Greg from Potbelly Brewery commented, “We are delighted to be taking on The Alex. We have supplied our beers to the pub for many years, and we hope to continue the successes of the previous tenant. It will be business as usual, and we can’t wait to welcome customers old and new.”

Jonty Green, Agent at Christie & Co, added, “Potbelly Brewery were already a supplier of beer to The Alexandra Arms, and Greg and Ian both knew the pub very well, so they were a clear candidate to continue the running of the much-loved establishment. I look forward to re-visiting when I’m next in the area!”

Over in Croughton, a new lease for The Blackbird pub has also been sold. The village pub had been managed by the previous licensees for a significant period of time, until their retirement last year. The lease for the pub has been taken on a new operator and re-opened in November.

Both pubs are part of the Wellington Pub Group. Asset Manager Peter Ward commented, “We are delighted to see The Alexandra Arms continue trading with a new tenant, and The Blackbird re-open, ready to serve their local communities for many years to come.”

The third transaction is the freehold sale of The Wheatsheaf in Crick. The Wheatsheaf has 12 letting rooms and received high levels of interest with multiple offers, demonstrating strong demand for pubs with rooms in the region.

Jonty Green of Christie & Co added, “These three completions demonstrate the continued desire from operators to expand their portfolios. Northamptonshire is a fantastic county, and it is great to see three very different pubs come into new ownership. I look forward to seeing these venues succeed in the future.”