Two independent Highland pubs brought to market for £4.5m
The Clachaig Inn and The Grog and Gruel are both owned by the Daynes family
Two pubs in the Highlands that are owned by the same family have been brought to market as a package available for a freehold asking price of £4.5m.
The first is The Clachaig Inn, a historic stone-built inn in Glencoe, set against the backdrop of the Glencoe peaks.
Owners Peter and Eileen Daynes bought The Clachaig Inn in 1984 and undertook a comprehensive programme of modernisation and expansion.
This included the refurbishment and further development of both the self-catering chalets, and the letting accommodation, increasing the number of ensuite bedrooms to 23.
Their sons, Guy and Ed, followed in their footsteps and have been running and further developing the business since 1990.
Also owned by the family, The Grog and Gruel is a popular alehouse in the centre of Fort William, around 20 miles from the Clachaig Inn. The property is located on the main high street, which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis.
The Grog and Gruel comprises a traditional ground floor bar, and a restaurant on the first floor, along with a fully fitted commercial kitchen and a beer garden to the rear.
Ed and Guy Daynes said: “Clachaig is more than just an inn, it’s an institution. There’s always been something very special about the place and the experiences that it creates. It’s been a family home for three generations of the Daynes family, and deciding to sell has been the hardest of decisions to make, but the time has come to find a new custodian.
“Running the two businesses side by side made so much sense, adding a further dimension to the business. It feels like the right time to step back, and the search begins for someone else with the vision and passion to take the business onto its next chapter.”
Brian Sheldon of Christie and Co, who is managing the sale, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire The Clachaig Inn and The Grog and Gruel, both of which have been owned and operated by the same family for over 30 years.
“Whilst trading as two separate businesses, the same ethos has been applied to both. Their locations, in Glencoe and Fort William, allow both businesses to benefit from trade from the many visitors who are attracted to this popular part of Scotland.”
He added: “There is great benefit to owning and operating both businesses, which are similar but offer something different: The Grog and Gruel offers more of a ‘town’ appeal, while Clachaig offers a much more rural outlook and feel, while both are renowned for the same quality of food and hospitality.”
