The Old Forge on the Knoydart peninsula in northern Scotland is not your average local. Reachable only by boat, or an 18-mile hike over 1,000-metre hills, the pub has won accolades for being one of the most beautiful – if out-of-the-way – drinking establishments in the country.
The pub, in the village of Inverie, is 45 minutes away by ferry from Mallaig or 20 minutes by a daily water taxi, but since being put on the market by its owners – who, one suspects, may be looking for a quieter life – it has received no shortage of offers from would-be publicans willing to pay the £790,000 asking price.
Agents Knight Frank, said that there are five "serious" potential bidders including from a family in Montreal, Canada, and others from Edinburgh, Oban, London, and New Zealand. Apparently tired of California's non-stop sunshine, the family, who are originally from the UK, are looking to return to Britain to start a business that offers both profit and "lifestyle choice", he added.
"What has attracted them to The Old Forge is their love of sailing. They have looked at the business as customers and also looked at the surrounding area of Mallaig and Oban to get a feel for the yachting that the area offers." Despite the obvious scarcity of customers – the pub serves a community of around 115 – the Old Forge is an attractive business proposition, with six-figure profits, according to agents. The pub and restaurant is on the main sailing route to Skye, the Outer Hebrides and the Small Isles and attracts yachtsmen, hillwalkers and tourists throughout the year.
"The first serious, secure offer over the asking price is likely to be accepted," said David Reid at Knight Frank. "No formal offers have yet been made but we have serious interest from five parties at the moment, including the family from California. We also have a family from Canada who want to come and view as well as those in Europe. We have also had inquiries from all over the UK."
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