Newark's Ossington Coffee House building is sold

One of Newark’s most historic buildings, Ossington Coffee House, has been sold.

Commercial property specialists NG Chartered Surveyors has bought the property, on Beastmarket Hill, on behalf of GW Price Ltd.

Currently, the majority of the Ossington, which is listed for protection, is let to the national restaurant chain Zizzi’s on a long-term deal, along with nine residential units and a gift and ladieswear shop, Baxters.

Mr Jonathon Seddon, of NG Chartered Surveyors, said: “Opportunities like this are few and far between and we are delighted to have completed this deal for GW Price, seeing off strong interest in the process.

“Newark’s retail and restaurant scene is vibrant and is attracting serious investment, as we have recently seen with Topland’s acquisition of the St Mark’s Shopping Centre.”

Ossington Coffee House dates from 1881, when Charlotte, Viscountess Ossington, proposed a new café or coffee tavern in Newark.

It was built close to the River Trent, opposite the castle and cattlemarket, on land bought from the Handley family.

The purpose of the coffee house was to promote the cause of temperance and lure farmers away from the town’s public houses.

The building has had many uses, including as stables, a hotel and a base for military personnel during both world wars.

Michael Price, of GW Price, said: “It is now our intention to maintain this historically important building so that it can be continue to be an attractive commercial proposition going forward.”

Antonia Gardner, from law firm Geldards, acted for George William Price.