20th March, 2023
We are pleased to announce that agreement has been reached for the L & B Blackmoor Company PLC (L&BBCo.) to purchase the Old Station House Inn at Blackmoor Gate.
The purchase includes the pub and its restaurant, the adjoining house as well as adjacent land (purchased by the L & B Trust) to accommodate the construction of the future L & B station at this site. The purchase will be completed on 17th April, 2023. The accompanying photo shows the property as viewed from its entrance.
The L & B Blackmoor Company is a subsidiary of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust.
We are indebted to the previous landlords, Mr. & Mrs. Shepherd, who have worked hard over many years to provide a warm welcome to their customers, building a successful business. The venue will eventually provide station facilities for the extended Lynton & Barnstaple Railway whilst continuing its operations as a pub and restaurant.
As the new landlords, the L&BBCo. is not planning any radical change to the premises. However, a programme of investment is planned which will respect the heritage of the building and its setting, retaining and enhancing the character of the building.
The new General Manager of the pub, Mark Halliday, has extensive experience in the hospitality industry. He is looking forward to welcoming all customers, old and new, including the railway’s members and supporters. However, he respectfully asks that it is remembered that the L&BBCo. are the pub’s owners, not the L & B Trust. Please use the venue as you would any other pub/restaurant but, if you have any comments, please direct them to Mark.
Finally, especial thanks are due to our trustee, Ian Cowling, for dealing with the numerous aspects of the negotiations that have led to this purchase being made.