Break out the Champagne – Churchill’s local changes hands

Sir Winston Churchill was once a regular at the Clarence in Whitehall, treating trusted members of his cabinet and political allies to dinner or canapés in the dining room, all washed down with his favourite Pol Roger Champagne.

The great statesmen is long gone but his political successors take advantage of the fact that this trophy pub is just round the corner from Downing Street and the MoD. Tourists who’ve visited nearby Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade are  also drawn to this historic slice of London life.

No wonder that Young’s are delighted to have snapped up the freehold for a shade under £4 million from a private investor, in a deal brokered by licensed leisure specialists AG&G.

“The Clarence’s owner us let us know that the freehold was available, so we set about finding a suitable buyer,” says Anthony Alder of licensed leisure specialists AG&G.

“It’s not often that such a landmark central London pub comes on to the market, so it was a pleasure to be involved.”

The Clarence is an imposing corner property dating from 1862. It is has four upper floors over a ground floor trading area and storage basement. It has been run as a high-quality traditional pub, offering classic food and real ales, and was fully refurbished to a high standard in early 2007.

For more information, contact Anthony Alder on 020 7836 7826 or e-mail aalder@agg.uk.com.