By Beth Doherty
Twitter:@bethdmedia / @new_valleynews
Instagram: @bethdohertymedia / @newvalleynews
A 400-year-old pub, previously owned by Longleat, is being given a new lease of life.
The Bath Arms, Crockerton, Warminster, has been bought by businessman Paul Gardner. Paul owns Absolute Solvents, breeds racehorses, and now wants to add pub-owner to the list.
“We decided to buy a couple of pretty pubs that needed work done on them because they are cheap at the moment. I have always wanted to own my own pub, so this is a new venture alongside what we already do,” said Paul.
The Bath Arms is the first pub to be renovated and restored, followed by The George and Dragon at Earlstoke, near Devizes.
He’s lived in Wiltshire and Somerset for 50-odd years, so Paul knows his local ales.
“We formed the new Chaffinch Pub Company. We’re not tied to any breweries, and we’re going to try to create something a bit special.
“On one side, we are going to have six Wiltshire and Somerset-brewed real ales from micro-breweries, two local lagers, and two Somerset ciders. On the other side of the pub, we aim to try and get a Michelin star,” explained Paul.
“I am currently interviewing chefs working in Michelin establishments because we would like to create one for Warminster. There’s not that many Michelin pubs or restaurants around here,” he added.
The restaurant will be a fine dining experience while the other side of the pub will welcome walkers, ramblers, dirty boots and muddy dogs.
As is well-known, the hospitality sector is among those hit hardest during lockdown. How does Paul feel buying a pub at such an uncertain time?
“If we were relying on it for our only business we would be a little bit nervous but we’re not. A lot of pubs will close because of Covid, but it will leave the market a lot stronger for those who survive.
“We are confident. People are dying to go to the pub or a nice restaurant, so when this lockdown ends and we get let out again, I think we are going to be inundated.”
The Bath Arms is due to open for the late May Bank Holiday, all being well.
Instagram: @bath_arms_shearwater