A County Durham pub which recently closed and saw its landlords step down after just a year is now on the market for £250,000.
The Red Alligator, on Auckland Road in South Church, near Bishop Auckland, has been listed with specialist property agent Sidney Phillips, with both freehold and leasehold options available.
The pub is being marketed at £250,000 plus VAT for the freehold, while a leasehold option is available for £10,000.
The listing comes after the village pub closed in August, before landlords Beth Leanne and Ben confirmed they had left the business after a year at the helm.
Customers were told on August 11 that the pub was closed until further notice, with no reason given at the time and no reopening date confirmed.
The Red Alligator (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She said: "Unfortunately, me and Ben have officially left after a year of being there.
"We did think we would be there for the long run, but I’ll keep the circumstances private and I do wish the new owner all the best and hope it does well."
Beth thanked customers for their support during their year at the pub and spoke warmly about the welcome the pair had received in Bishop Auckland.
The Red Alligator (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She said: "We would like to thank everyone who has supported us the past year, even with its ups and downs.
"When we first started it was problem after problem, but we still carried on after every setback.
"We have made some wonderful friends over the year and will miss you all dearly. What a community to be a part of.
"From not being local to coming to Bishop Auckland, we felt welcome from day one. There are some lovely people and South Church should be proud."
The Red Alligator (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The listing describes the Red Alligator as a sizeable detached pub with a two-section trading area with space for 55 people.
It also includes refurbished three-bedroom owners’ accommodation and a self-contained studio flat, while outside there is a beer patio with seating for 60 people and a car park for 28 vehicles.
The Red Alligator (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Sidney Phillips says the pub formerly traded as a food-led venue serving the local community and surrounding area and was known for freshly prepared homemade food, including local parmos and a Sunday carvery.
The leasehold option is free of all trade ties and is offered with a seven-year term, although the length is negotiable.
The Red Alligator (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Rent is listed at £20,000 for the first year, £22,000 for the second and £24,000 for the third.
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The sales particulars also state that a premises licence is held for the retail of alcohol.
The pub has a long history in South Church and, according to the agent, operated as the Crown and Anchor during Victorian times.
It was later renamed in honour of Red Alligator, the horse which won the 1968 Grand National and was trained by Denys Smith at stables across the road from the pub.