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Bradley Hall and Square One Law revealed as brokers in Union Rooms deal

The behind the scenes details of the high-profile sale of Newcastle’s Union Rooms pub to businessman Andrew Ward have come to light, with two regional firms playing a key role in brokering the deal.

Pub proprietor JD Wetherspoon put the marquee city centre public house on the market last summer after announcing plans to downsize its UK portfolio of pubs, and last week it was announced that Durham businessman Ward had agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to acquire the five-storey venue.

The entrepreneur, who also owns five pubs in Durham including The John Duck and The Angel, worked together with property agents Bradley Hall and commercial law firm Square One Law to seal a deal for the 19th century site, which he claims will remain as a leisure venue.

Commenting on the deal, Peter Bartley, Director at Bradley Hall, said: “The Union Rooms is a prize leisure asset that doesn’t often become available in the centre of Newcastle. It’s a genuine trophy site and business.

“This is a significant investment for our client. It’s an attractive Grade II building, a profitable leisure site and one the client intends to add value to.

“There will be further investment in the Union Rooms with additional plans to develop the upper parts of the building.”

Ward will take over operation of the Union Rooms in February, under the banner of his newly launched company, Union Rooms Newcastle Management Ltd.

The acquisition also marks another deal for the trio after they worked together on a string of property acquisitions, including the £6.25m for the Three Tuns Hotel last year.

Peter Clegg, partner in Square One Law’s property team added: “The Union Rooms is an iconic building in a prominent location and as a local firm we are delighted to have worked on such a prestigious project.

“We have worked with Andrew on a number of transactions and look forward to the future success of his latest venture.”