David Wood, who had a portfolio of community pubs before moving into bars and restaurants in the city centre, has gone from running and owning venues to acting as a broker for them, launching Woods & Co property services just two years ago.
The company specialises in licensed property sales, sourcing, and negotiation in Merseyside and across the whole of the UK.
Its advantage over other agencies lies in its ability to offer unique guidance and advice, and apply unequalled knowledge when people are buying or selling a pub, bar, restaurant or club.
High-profile sales already conducted by Woods & Co in Liverpool City Centre include the exclusive Alma de Cuba in Seel Street, the Royal Institution, the Navy Bar in Stanley Street, and Bold Street favourite Maggie Mays.
David has acquired sites including the elegant Rainhill Hall Hotel in Rainhill, and is currently handling an impressive range of properties for sale like Petit Café in Lark Lane, Liverpool; Bistro Pierre in Button Street; Bock Bier Café in Leece Street, and The Merton Pub in Bootle.
The 53-year-old father of three from West Derby began his career in hospitality as a teenager, working behind the bar in The Black Bull pub in Aintree at 16.
Since then, he’s worked in almost every aspect of the hospitality industry, adding a period as supplier for an industrial beer gas company to his extensive experience as owner and manager.
The last venue he owned, which he bought and sold in 2019, was Brockbank & Mellor in Seel Street.
“I know the bar business inside and out,” says David. “I have owned around 25 pubs and six or seven city centre bars.
“Knowing the industry, I know the problems facing any operator and that gives me a greater degree of knowledge and understanding than your regular surveyor or agent coming in to buy or sell a property.
“It’s a specialised market.”
Long hours and an increasing interest in the property market led David to have a rethink. He’d been involved in the sourcing and purchasing of venues for others and realised that he not only had an interest in it, he also had a talent.
“It’s something I’m passionate about,” adds David, “and it’s second nature to me. I have been on all sides of this industry and I’ve bought and sold bars and pubs, officially now for two years.
“Woods & Co doesn’t just offer property services, it offers financial and licensing support. I have connections with an extensive network of suppliers. It’s real wrap-around help.”
David and his team offer a comprehensive buying guide for anyone purchasing freehold and leasehold hospitality businesses whether they’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, with guidance and help to make informed decisions and secure the best deals.
They offer a personalised approach tailored to individual needs, and promote far-reaching connections, local market knowledge, and expert negotiation skills which they say will ensure finding the perfect property at the right price.
“I know what it’s like to have a dream of running your own bar or pub, or finding that ideal place, and I have the experience to help people achieve that,” says David.
“It’s about enabling the industry to thrive and enabling people to thrive. And I feel proud when I help someone along with their purchase of a dream site.”
To find out more or contact David go to https://woodscoproperties.uk/