Lane7 founder sells second Sedgefield pub to Trust Inns

Tim Wilks, the founder of Lane7, has completed the sale of his second Sedgefield pub, The Corner House, to the Lancashire-based pub company Trust Inns for an undisclosed amount. 

The sale follows Wilks’ decision to focus on his growing bowling alley chain, Lane7.  

It is reported that The Corner House, which was formerly The Black Lion, was acquired by Wilks back in 2018 and has undergone a “significant” refurbishment. 

The property is said to be decorated in a modern and contemporary style, while still preserving some traditional pub features. It also comprises an enclosed courtyard leading through to a beer garden that can host around 150 people.  

David Cash, director at Christie and Co, who handled the sale, said: “It’s a real pleasure to have acted for Tim in the sale of all three of his pubs, two of which I sold to him a few years ago now. We had lots of interest in The Corner House, receiving multiple offers. 

“Despite the challenges the pub sector faces as well as the wider eco-political issues, it is reassuring that demand is still there for the right opportunities.”

Wilks said: “We are pleased to have sold the last of our three pubs, as it frees up a good amount of head office resources and allows us to focus on the continued expansion of Lane7.”

A spokesperson for Trust Inns said: “We are delighted to have purchased The Corner House and we are working with an experienced multiple operator to reposition the site on the High Street. We will be undertaking an investment with the initial works completed prior to Christmas.

“This is the ninth pub we’ve acquired through Christie and Co in the last three years and we hope to continue working with them on our expansion trail.”