Alderney’s Campania pub on the market for £500,000
One of Alderney’s best-loved pubs is on the market, after closing its doors for the final time under its current ownership just before Christmas.
The Campania, situated on the High Street in St Anne, has become one of the island’s best known bars and eateries over the course of many decades.
It is up for sale for £500,000, and boasts a bar, dining room, kitchen, cloakrooms, store rooms, a games room and a garden, as well as a three-bedroom owner’s accommodation on the first floor and a further small studio apartment on the second floor.
Set up before the Second World War by brothers Jack and Bert Hammond, the pub reopened after the war ended and has passed through various hands, shifting from a niche drinking establishment to a welcoming family pub.
Its current owner, Vanessa Main, bought it three years ago for her nephew to run and eventually own, but ended up taking over the day-to-day management in May 2023 after he decided not to pursue the business.
‘It was something I never intended to do, as I have other work and family commitments,’ she said, adding that the pub was first placed on the market around the same time.
She said the business had been operating ‘very profitably’, contrary to what was often heard about Alderney’s economy, adding that it had made an ‘excellent’ return on her initial investment.
However, she said she had found herself working around the clock for the last 18 months in order to keep it open, and this was something she was no longer able to do.
‘Obviously, I would have liked to have kept the pub open, particularly for Christmas and for January, when other hospitality businesses are also shut, but my personal and family circumstances mean that I am currently unable to do that.
‘It’s not a decision I made lightly, and arguably I should have closed the pub when my nephew decided to leave.’
She said there was some good news in the form of interest from prospective buyers, and was hopeful the pub would not be shut for too long.
‘It is a wonderful pub, and I know someone else will take it on and welcome all of the customers back.’
The pub is on the market with local estate agent Bell & Co Ltd, and managing director Andrew Eggleston said the whole property had a lot to offer.
‘It’s one of the most popular places on the island, it’s done superb pub grub over the years and has notably been popular with holiday makers as well as locals,’ he said.
He described the asking price of £500,000 as ‘not over the top’, particularly because of its successful recent history.
‘Vanessa has done a great job with it, it’s a shame it didn’t work out with her family but it’s ready for a new chapter.’
‘With the flats that come with it as well, it has the potential to be very financially profitable.’
