A COUNTRY pub in the heart of a Herefordshire village has been put up for sale and is set to go to auction next week.

The centuries-old pub, reputed to date back to 1512, is on the market with agents Sidney Philips for a guide price of £275,000 freehold, including fixtures and fittings.

It is set to go to auction, which will be held on the premises, unless previously sold by private treaty, on Thursday, April 11, at 2.30pm.

The agents said the Wheelwrights Arms, in Pencombe, is designed for ease of management with a one-bar operation arranged around a central servery, but that there is a considerable amount of ground floor non-trading area which is poorly used, meaning the bar and restaurant facilities could possibly be extended further. 

The open-plan bar area, organised around a U-shaped bar servery, is part-carpeted and part quarry-tiled, with a feature fireplace with solid fuel burner, and offers seating for around 50. 

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Also on the ground floor is a "good size" catering kitchen partially fitted to commercial standard, with quarry-tiled floor, domestic units, tiled walls and a selection of stainless steel catering effects, an "extremely large" freezer room and a dry store, and ladies and gents toilets.

The pub's "good size" beer cellar has delivery access from the side of the premises, the agents said.

The owners' accommodation is on the first floor, and offers a domestic kitchen, large lounge with beamed walls, two double bedrooms, and a bathroom.

Outside is a forecourt with parking for around 10 vehicles, and space for picnic benches either side of the pub's oak-framed porch, which also has fitted seating within.

To the rear of the pub is a partially patioed and gravelled beer garden, which could cater for around 40 customers if fully furnished, but which does need landscaping, and a stone-faced outbuilding.

The agents said the pub was acquired by the sellers, who operated it for two years, as an investment purchase 16 years ago, and has since been let out to independent tenants.

"Therefore no trading accounts are available and prospective purchasers will need to reach their own conclusion as to the potential trade and profitability which can be enjoyed at this outlet," Sidney Philips said.

A premises licence is currently held for the supply of alcohol between 11am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday. 

Viewing is strictly by appointment, and all enquiries should be directed to the auctioneers on 01981 250333.