Those who like their pubs with a dash of swash and buckle would feel right at home in Penzance’s Admiral Benbow Inn and now this historic Grade II Listed 17th century inn and all its treasures, both revealed and hidden, is on the market with Christie + Co.
For just £650,000 for the freehold, a buyer will get not just one of Cornwall’s — possibly the UK’s — most famous pubs, but one that enjoys excellent trading and provides owner’s accommodation, as well as a unique and star-studded history.
Worldwide reputation
The Admiral Benbow has been in existence since the 17th century and is a unique pub and restaurant with a worldwide reputation. Its interior houses a fascinating collection of maritime artefacts rescued from numerous shipwrecked vessels which foundered on the Cornish coast during the last 400 years.
Many of its treasures are incorporated into the fabric of the building and the Captain’s Cabin restaurant is an amazing example of this with its fine woodwork from a Portuguese Man O’ War.
The Lady Hamilton lounge is home to a magnificent cannon and ships figure head. The upstairs bars have extensive views over Penzance harbour towards St Michael’s Mount.
One of the oldest drinking houses in Penzance, the Admiral Benbow is also popular with celebrities — its visitors have included Hollywood legend Gregory Peck, Hugh Grant and the Rolling Stones.
In 2008, a series of tunnels, thought to date back 200 years, were discovered leading into The Admiral Benbow Inn. It is believed that the 19th century smuggling gang The Benbow Brandy Men used the tunnels to sneak brandy, gin and tobacco from the harbour under the noses of the excisemen. The tunnel also has a spy hole so smugglers could be warned if tax men had come into the pub looking for them.
The business today
Alan & Trish McGregor have run the Inn for the last seven years. The Inn has two bars and a restaurant area offering a variety of beers, ciders and wines, all set amongst an array of nautical memorabilia including a variety of ships figureheads and wheels. In common with the Lady Hamilton Bar, the two-bedroom owner’s accommodation offers stunning and panoramic views across Penzance and its harbour.
Richard Wood of Christie + Co in Exeter is handling the sale. He says: “With its unique history and its location in one of the premier towns on Cornwall’s rugged south coast, The Admiral Benbow Inn is a popular destination for both locals and visitors to the area. All of this is reflected in excellent historic trading numbers, making it a real treasure acquisition for either experienced existing operators or those seeking the ideal lifestyle business. But pirates need not apply!”
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