Tue 12th Sep 2017 - Christie & Co to sell British Country Inns estate Christie & Co to sell British Country Inns estate: Property agent Christie & Co is marketing for sale 13 food-led country pubs on behalf of British Country Inns. Having realised the original investment goals set out during its founding in 2005, the business has decided to dispose of its assets and return capital to investors. Clustered into four distinct geographical areas across England and Wales, the sites are positioned as “destination country pubs, close to popular tourist areas yet away from busy high streets”, and offer guests “a traditional British countryside atmosphere augmented through provision of comfortable letting rooms and cosy tea rooms”. Christie & Co said the versatile offering has ensured each site has the flexibility to trade profitably in a way that suits its local surroundings, with an established and increasingly strong evening trade supplemented by an evolving lunch offer. Its Twisted Spoon concept, in the early phase of a roll-out across the estate, offers customers a wide selection of teas, coffees and homemade cakes baked on-site, and has further demonstrated the business’ inherent potential to drive footfall and bottom lines. Neil Morgan, managing director of pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, said: “There are only 9,500 managed houses in the UK, and good quality portfolios of critical mass such as this rarely come to the market. As such, there is likely to be high demand for the British Country Inns estate. This sale in particular presents a tremendous opportunity for either a new entrant looking to buy their way into the market, or an experienced operator looking to expand their estate.” Christie & Co is inviting offers for either the portfolio as a whole, distinct packages of multiple sites, or individual assets.