Gloucester's The Heritage bar, created by city entrepreneur Reg Daldry, has been bought by Gloucester Rugby.
Daldry saw potential in the empty former Discount Cycle Warehouse building on Kingsholm Road when no one else did, investing £450,000 to open it as a sports bar in 2019.
It was to prove a stroke of genius with the 3,797 sq ft bar capable of serving 370-plus thirsty fans at any one time when it opened in October 2019.
Daldry said he always had eyes on the rugby club taking it over, and first put the business on the market for £700,000 in late 2020 when the county was still shaking off the pandemic — a price he later dropped to £599,950 (freehold).
‘I was always surprised Gloucester rugby did not make an offer sooner, but I am happy with the deal,’ said Daldry, also the managing director of UK Demolition and Construction.
He would not disclose the final price of the bar, but had words of hope for the legions of fans and regulars for whom it became a popular haunt.
‘The club has asked for the fixtures and fittings to be included, which suggests they will be keeping it as a bar. Which is good.
‘We have made some great friends in the time we have run it, and the rugby family is always good fun and no trouble. We will miss it,’ said Daldry, who also runs Gloucester Market & Carboot at Hempsted on Sunday and Wednesday mornings.
Speaking before the pandemic hit, Daldry said The Heritage had been making in excess of £10,000 a week and when the kitchens were ready (which they now are) he was confident that figure would easily rise to £15,000 a week.
The purchase marks another step in Gloucester Rugby’s expansion into Kingsholm, with the club unveiling new training facilities, offices and what will be another hospitality space in the warehouse adjacent to The Heritage Bar in the summer of 2021.
It is understood it is business as usual for the remaining businesses sandwiched between the Cherry and White’s ground and The Heritage.
Gloucester Rugby was contacted for a comment.
