Bristol’s iconic Alma Tavern, one of the UK’s few combined pubs and theatres, is to be given a new lease of life after being taken over.
The venue, in Alma Vale Road, Clifton, is to be refurbished and redecorated and its theatre upgraded under new owner James Dunn. The theatre, which has given valuable experience over many years to budding actors and acted as a showcase for work by aspiring playwrights, will continue to operate under the experienced guidance of Bristol Theatre West.
Mr Dunn has also promised to bring in a new chef and front-of-house team to ensure a great customer experience alongside excellent food and service. The full plan is under wraps, according to property agents Christie + Co, which marketed the pub after it was put up for sale by previous owners Clifton Pubs Ltd in February. James and Julian, directors of Clifton Pubs offloaded the Alma Tavern to concentrate on other businesses in their portfolio.
The leasehold interest in the pub was sold for an undisclosed sum. The asking price had been £39,000. Christie + Co said the pub had attracted an “impressive amount of interest from various parties”.
Nicholas Calfe, a director in its Bristol Office who handled the sale, said: “The Alma Tavern and Theatre is an exceptional business with several income streams. The theatre aspect of the business attracted a lot of interest, proving that businesses with unique selling points are thriving well in the current market.
“Furthermore, the Bristol pub market is strong, with pubs in popular and affluent areas such as Clifton, Gloucester Road and the centre fairing very well in the current climate.”
