Local pub operator acquires York’s Fairfax Arms

Fairfax Arms in York has been sold to a local buyer from South Yorkshire, Derek Gennard, for an undisclosed sum.

It revealed the pub is situated in Gilling East, North Yorkshire, among the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Previous owners, brothers Robert and Edward Fawcett have owned the pub for over 20 years and have invested “heavily” in its refurbishment, including the extension and development of the building to provide the atrium restaurant in 2017.

It comprises 12 contemporary letting bedrooms, along with a bar, snug and Orangery restaurant which leads out to a landscaped beer garden overlooking a small stream. The property also features a two-bedroom manager’s apartment, guest parking and a large catering kitchen.

Gennard said: “I very much like this part of North Yorkshire and was very familiar with Fairfax through personal connections to the Fawcett family. I already own a similar sized pub and so when Mark Worley from Christie and Co called to alert me to the fact that it was on the market, it seemed an ideal opportunity for me.

“It will be operated by my daughter and son in law, retaining its reputation as a top quality, family-owned country pub.”

Rob Fawcett added: “We are delighted with the buyer, Derek Gennard and his family, as we think they are the perfect fit for the pub and that is very important to us, especially as he intends to continue to operate the business to the same high standards we have. We wish them all the best for the future.”