Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) invested more than £2.5 million into its Business Partner (tenanted) pubs in 2025, including a quarter of a million pounds on a major renovation of the historic Dolphin Hotel in Bovey Tracey, Devon which they acquired in 2021.
The family brewer and pub company is now looking for an experienced operator to run the pub, which is projected to make an £850,000 annual turnover.
H&W has continued to invest heavily in maintaining its entire estate over the last 12 months, adapting to changes in consumer trends towards casual dining and coffee. At The Dolphin, the company completely renovated the main pub areas to create a refreshed, more vibrant space designed to welcome all-day trade. A coved bar seating area lined with Badger Beer bottles is a particularly spectacular addition.
Trevor Hartin, Business Partnerships Commercial Manager at Hall & Woodhouse said: “Our major investment scheme for The Dolphin at Bovey Tracey has brought this pub up to match the highest standards seen across our estate. We know that guests are looking for warm, cosy, and flexible spaces, to enjoy everything from coffee in the morning to pints and small plates in the evening.
“The Dolphin is situated in a beautiful location on the outskirts of Dartmoor National Park and just 45 minutes’ drive from the coast. The location attracts a strong tourist market in the spring and summer, with the pub’s eight en-suite guest bedrooms offering significant revenue opportunity. The Dolphin offers the best of both worlds, with a strong community and local trade outside of peak holiday season providing year-round sustainability.”
The Dolphin Hotel features spacious trading areas for up to 72 covers, plus one large function space. The pub’s desirable location and useable trading space lends itself to a food-led operation, with dry trade expected to account for 45% of overall revenue.
Hall & Woodhouse estimates that the successful operator could generate an operating profit of £80,000 per annum after an initial onboarding period. The property also includes two newly refurbished private apartments.
Trevor added: “The Dolphin is best suited to an experienced owner operator, perhaps someone who is looking to relocate to Devon and continue an exciting, rewarding career in hospitality. There is considerable potential to develop the business in many different ways, with scope for rapid and sustainable growth under the right leadership.
“Given its size and location, combined with the recent investment, The Dolphin Hotel offers a rare chance to re-launch a well-loved business with our support, reaping the benefits of long-term success while delivering the renowned all-day Hall & Woodhouse hospitality.”
Applications to run The Dolphin Hotel are open now. For more information and to apply, please visit www.hall-woodhousepartnerships.co.uk .
