Hotel du Vin boss buys pub
A former director of luxury hotel chain Hotel du Vin has purchased a Hampshire inn.
Ashley Levette paid an undisclosed sum, off an asking price of £750,000, for the freehold interest of the Anchor Inn at Lower Froyle, near Alton.
Agent Christie+Co handled the sale on behalf of John and Frances Jenkins, Frances' sister Linda and her husband Michael Howard and the sisters' mother Mrs Harrison.
The pub lies on the original route of Pilgrim's Way between Winchester and Canterbury and centuries ago the pub attracted pilgrims en route to the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Caterbury Cathedral.
Trade was primarily food- led but Levette has closed the outlet to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment. This will include converting the double garages into five en-suite letting rooms.
The 14th-century trading area consists of two bars, a principal restaurant and overflow restaurant area for 110 covers, three-bedroom owner's accommodation, trade and private gardens, a car park and a paddock.
The pub also features a 65ft well that is believed to be recorded in the Domesday book.
Christie + Co agent Joe Harvey said: "Freehold freehouses rarely come to the market in Hampshire and they are consequently highly sought after.
"This, coupled with the well-established nature of this family business, meant we received a lot of interest in the Anchor Inn.
"We are delighted to have sold it to an experienced operator who will be undertaking significant investment in the premises and who will no doubt take the pub from strength to strength."
The previous owners are now taking well-earned retirement.
