A FORMER pub close to a Grade I listed building and down the road from a world-renowned music recording studio struck the right note at auction.

The now closed grade II listed Three Horseshoes pub close to Monmouth’s unique arched stone built Monnow Bridge is just down the road from globally famous Rockfield Studios.

The property, at 21, Drybridge Street, to the South of Monmouth town, which called last orders some time ago could now be set for a new life after being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

Charted with a guide price of £186,500-plus the former pub sold after 11 bids from three bidders for £205,000.

Gemma Vaughan, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This wonderful old pub, close to the Monnow River and its wonderful arched stone bridge, is cram packed full of character and history.

“ The Three Horseshoes isn’t far from world famous Rockfield Studios where mega rock stars and bands such Queen’s Freddie Mercury recorded parts of Bohemian Rhapsody and Mancunian’s Oasis recorded their huge album, What’s the Story? Morning Glory in 1995.

“It’s well known locally, and there are many who remember the times personally, that band members such as the Gallagher brothers made good use of the abundant refreshment facilities offered by pubs in the town when they were at Rockfield, laying down tracks for their LPs.

“The Three Horseshoes fronts onto Drybridge Street, which is just over the river from Monmouth town. It’s close to a bijou holiday caravan park and is within easy access of the A40 arterial road from Wales to England. It is set in a quarter of an acre of land with parking and extensive gardens and river frontage.

“The property is offered with planning consent comprising of an A1 commercial unit to the ground floor with four, self-contained apartments to the first floor.

“Planning consent has been achieved under Planning Application Numbers DM/2018/00669 dated 22nd June 2018 for change of use of ground floor of public house (Use Class A3) to beauty and hair salon (A1) and DM/2018/01491 dated 20th July 2020 for conversion and extension of first floor to provide four self-contained flats.

“The permission also includes a ground floor extension to provide double garage and external parking in the garden area. Some work has been undertaken and signed off, ensuring planning is live.”

The accommodation currently consists of a lower ground floor cellar, a ground floor with lobby, two former bars, female wc & gents wc, shower room/wc, utility, kitchen, store room and meeting room. There is a function hall, former flat area on the first floor with the gardens and parking to the rear.

Monmouth, the birthplace of Charles Rolls, of Rolls Royce and also King Henry V, boasts excellent private and state schools, boutique shops and restaurants and the prestigious Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club. The River Wye, as well as the Monnow, runs through Monmouth and is a popular tourist attraction offering canoeing, kayaking and rowing.