Simon Wade: Sale of Tap on the Tutt will help his other pubs

Simon Wade has sold the Tap and the Tutt in Bridge Street, Boroughbridge, to Punch Pubs & Co, a sale which was announced on Friday.

The company has around 1,300 leased pubs and is based in the traditional brewing town of Burton-on-Trent.

Simon acquired the former Grade II-listed Three Horseshoes in the summer of 2023 from former owner Alison Craddock, who retired, and after a lavish refurbishment, renamed it the Tap on the Tutt.

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It was the third of the Boroughbridge publican’s growing empire, adding to the Grantham Arms, which he acquired in 2018 and then the Fox and Hounds at nearby Langthorpe, gaining its freehold in 2020.

Simon then acquired and refurbished the Blue Bell in nearby Arkendale in October 2024 and only last Friday, re-opened the Punch Bowl at Marton Cum Grafton after another refurbishment.

The Tap on the Tutt (Image: Pic supplied)

The 52-year-old called the sale ‘good news’ adding he was very fortunate to sell the Tap on the Tutt in the current climate, when there are so many pubs on the market, including the nearby Aldwark Arms in Aldwark and The Victoria at Cattal.

Asked why he sold the pub, which has received glowing reviews on websites like Tripadvisor, along with a Cask Marque award for its beer, Simon says it was because he was contacted by Punch.

He told the Press: “They approached me. They said they liked my pub. They said they wanted my pub. They made an offer and I accepted it.”

Simon continued: “In this climate, it’s unusual to have a buyer come to you that doesn’t need finance.

“Because of the challenges to businesses due to the Labour government, it also allows me to continue trading and investing in the rest of my pubs, keeping them afloat and employing people.”

Simon’s other pubs are also highly regarded, again with rave reviews online, with the publican well-known for turning around pubs in the Boroughbridge area and making a success of them.

The Punch Bowl Inn, which re-opened last Friday to much acclaim (Image: Pic supplied)

He says the staff will stay on at the Tap and Tutt, it will remain business as usual, though the pub’s Facebook page says there will eventually be some changes in the drinks range, plus pop up food events.

“I still remain friends with the team and will continue to give guidance and advice.”

The sale follows the acquisition and re-opening of the Punch Bowl, which had been on the market for £695,000 freehold,

Simon continued: “The plan is to develop the Punch Bowl.”

There is a cottage and gardens, with the cottage used as an office by former owner Provenance Inns. The plan is to convert that into a two-bed holiday cottage and find a more productive use for the garden.

Simon said he is delighted with the Punch Bowl’s first week of trading, and enjoyed meeting the villagers, who appreciate how he has transformed the building. And once any issues have been ironed out, he will begin marketing the pub and “shout from the rooftops.”

But already rave reviews are coming in on Tripadvisor and Google.

Among the many plaudits, one said on Tripadvisor: “What a transformation, the Punch Bowl is back with a bang, with a new owner and management and boy does it show. The pub has retained its quirky charm, and now offers great food and truly exceptional service.

“This was long overdue, as it has been in a dire state for many years. I can only suggest you go soon and support the new owner and his team. We will be returning ourselves very soon.”