Brewery company buys North Yorkshire hotel

Keighley brewer Timothy Taylor’s has bought the seven-bedroom Devonshire Hotel, in Grassington with help from Yorkshire law firm Gordons for an undisclosed sum.

The pub has been closed for essential works and a full audit of the electrics to be undertaken, with a view to re-opening under the care of tenants in November.

Timothy Taylor’s intends to make a range of its beers available, plus a menu of freshly prepared food, using locally-sourced produce, following the re-opening. The company will then work with local partners to plan and implement a full refurbishment programme, which will be completed next year.

Solicitors Rachel Thompson, from Gordons’ commercial property team, and Duncan Firman, of its corporate team, advised Timothy Taylor’s on all aspects of the purchase and title to the property, including regulatory health and safety issues.

Tim Dewey, chief executive of Timothy Taylor’s, says: “Gordon’s played a key role in guiding us through what, at times, became a less than straightforward process.  Their advice, professionalism and patience were much appreciated by all of us at Timothy Taylor’s and played an important role in us being able to complete on this transaction.”

Timothy Taylor’s currently has a portfolio of 18 pubs – the Woolly Sheep in Skipton and Keighley’s Lord Rodney being managed and the other 16 being tenanted.

Rachel Thompson, pictured, says: “Timothy Taylor’s are highly valued clients, and we wish them every success with this new venture.”

Timothy Taylor’s has been brewing traditional English cask conditioned beers in Keighley since 1858 and has been based at its Knowle Spring Brewery since 1863.