Pub operator and brewer Brakspear has purchased the Egypt Mill in Nailsworth, near Stroud. The historic pub with dining, accommodation and a thriving wedding and functions business takes Brakspear’s managed estate up to 16 sites.
A converted mill, the site dates back to the 16th century, and the restaurant overlooks the river running through the grounds. Each of the 32 bedrooms has been individually designed and the site can cater for weddings and celebrations for up to 150 guests.
The site has been owned for the last 100 years by the Webb family, who were keen to sell their business to another family-run company. Brakspear has no immediate plans to make any changes to the Egypt Mill and is retaining the current staff team, who have contributed to the site’s success.
Tom Davies, Brakspear chief executive, said: “The Egypt Mill oozes character throughout the building and grounds and we are thrilled to be adding it to our managed estate.
“The site gives us a second wedding and functions business in the Cotswolds, which we have offered at the Frogmill near Cheltenham since 2018. Our learnings from there will help us to develop the already successful business at the Egypt Mill and we’re confident the two together will create a very strong offer for anyone wanting to wed or celebrate in the region.
“It’s not just about functions though; the Egypt Mill has an excellent reputation for its food and is a popular weekend break destination with its quirky but luxurious bedrooms. We’re excited about the potential offered by this exceptional site.”
Brakspear’s managed estate was was formed in 2013 with the opening of the Bull on Bell Street in Henley-on-Thames and includes pubs across the Cotswolds and south east, many of them with luxury accommodation.
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Notes to editors
The Brakspear managed estate now comprises 16 pubs across the Cotswolds and the south east., 10 of them with rooms. In addition to the Egypt Mill, they are:
In Henley-on-Thames
- Bull on Bell Street: first managed pub, opened in April 2013 in the centre of Henley. Brakspear’s microbrewery, the Bell Street Brewery, is located behind the pub – just yards from the site of the original Brakspear brewery founded in 1711.
- The Little Angel: thriving food-led pub just outside Henley, next to the Brakspear Cricket Ground.
In the Cotswolds
- The Frogmill, Shipton Oliffe, near Cheltenham: traditional Cotswolds stone building set in extensive grounds with 28 bedrooms, 100-cover restaurant and wedding and conference facilities for up to 150 guests.
- The Sheep on Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold: contemporary bar and restaurant with 22 bedrooms, the Sheep has a different offer to traditional Cotswold pubs. Features include an imposing modern bar, wood-fired pizza oven and large outdoor patio with feature fireplace
- The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold: believed to be the oldest pub in the country, with parts dating back to 947AD. Grade 2* listed building with many traditional features retained in bar, restaurant and the 13 bedrooms.
- The Townhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon: buzzy town centre bar and 74-cover restaurant with 12 bedrooms, sited in a 400 year-old Grade II listed building in the town centre.
- The George Townhouse, Shipston-on-Stour: Grade II listed building, with large open bar, 40-cover restaurant, private dining and Garden Room, plus15 bedrooms.
- The Lion, Wendlebury, near Bicester: traditional food-led pub with 13 bedrooms.
Other locations
- Golden Ball, Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead: purchased in November 2019. Village pub with seating for 110 customers inside as well as a large patio and garden.
- Nag’s Head, Abingdon: purchased in June 2019. Iconic Oxfordshire pub, set on its own island half way across Abingdon Bridge, with extensive gardens seating up to 200 people and a barge bar.
- The Chequers, Marlow: busy High Street pub and restaurant with nine bedrooms.
- The Running Horses, Mickleham, Surrey: location near Box Hill makes it popular with walkers. Five bedrooms plus The Gatehouse, a small private house.
- The Retreat, Staines: a stylish local pub with wood-fired pizzas, live sport and a Sunday carvery.
- The Dog & Duck, Wokingham: local pub with similar positioning to the Retreat.
- The Crown, Playhatch, near Reading: 16th century inn with extensive al fresco space, 10 bedrooms and a barn for wedding receptions and other functions.
Issued on behalf of: Brakspear
Website: www.brakspear.co.uk
Twitter: @BrakspearPubs
Further information ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137