3/26/2021 | Pub Mortgages

Christie Finance supports established hospitality operator to develop portfolio of high-quality pubs in Kent

Commercial finance specialist, Christie Finance has supported an established operator, Marquis Hotel Group Limited, in their aim of developing a portfolio of high-quality pubs. MHGL will purchase the shares of Innfair Limited, a company that owns The Tiger Inn in Stowting, Kent.



Marquis Hotel Group Limited is controlled by Darrell Healey, a highly successful businessman in his own right who, in 1986, started the engineering group GSE based in Ashford, Kent. MHGL was formed in order to create a hospitality brand, Contemporary Pubs Limited (CPL), to be owned and run by his daughter Nadine and her husband Will.

In June 2018, Will and Nadine Sheldon purchased and refurbished the Marquis of Granby, which is now an established favourite with locals. Having built a successful team, Nadine and Will plan to be hands on with each new venture and are looking to develop this strategy at The Tiger Inn. The Marquis team has already been recognised for its high quality food and accommodation through the Taste of Kent Awards.

The Tiger Inn is immensely popular with locals and visitors to Stowting, a village famed for its heritage and picturesque landscapes. It is a detached, quintessentially English pub in a rural setting with excellent views across the Kent countryside. The pub is well known for its excellent home-made food and selection of real ales and fine wines.

CPL aim to reopen for business during Summer 2021. There will be a full refurbishment of The Tiger Inn with CPL spearheading the new venture. Nadine and Will look forward to continuing their hospitality success and to using their expertise to support the establishment of the stunning Kent-based pub and the growth of their hospitality portfolio.

Jimmy Johns, Associate Director at Christie Finance, comments “It was a pleasure to work with Darrell on his path to securing such a high-quality pub. The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the global pandemic, however with restrictions easing, this new venture will be an exciting addition to Darrell’s growing portfolio. I wish Darrell, his daughter Nadine and her husband Will the very best for the future.”

Andrew Moore, Director of Christie & Co’s Maidstone Office, who brokered the sale, says "Despite the global pandemic, the appetite for public houses has remained resilient. Buyers like Darrell are realising that when restrictions ease there will be a strong pent-up demand from customers who are looking to go out to eat and drink again.”