Dream comes to life for Acorn's couple

Experienced restaurateurs Todd and Louise Moffat have fulfilled a lifelong ambition to buy a small luxury country inn located in Dorset. The couple, both trained chefs, have acquired the 16th century former coaching inn, the Acorn Inn at Evershot, which boasts nine en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant, and a choice of character bars. The pub has won praise in many hotel and pub guides, including the Good Pub Guide 2003, Good Hotel Guide 2003, and Good Food Guide 2003. The Moffats sold their restaurant in Stony Stratford, near Milton Keynes, to realise their dream. Moffat's Restaurant, which they ran for five years, was renowned for its modern English style food with Mediterranean influences, specialising in fresh fish. "Dorset is a caterer's dream, you are spoilt for choice," explained Todd, who will be offering fresh fish and shellfish from Bridport, game from the local estates and local meat and cheeses. The Acorn's restaurant has 52 covers. Todd added: "Our aim with the Acorn is to continue to improve upon the already high standards achieved by the former owners and their team. We look forward to all the challenges ahead of us in making the Acorn the premier inn in Dorset." Barney Bettesworth, of Bettesworths, said: "Set in the centre of beautiful West Dorset and immortalised as the Sow & Acorn' in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles, this delightful pub is located in a perfect English country setting, with masses of charm ,which is everyone's dream. We wish Todd and Louise every success.' The accommodation comprises a reception, character village bar, the Hardy Bar with seating for about 18, the Hardy Dining Room along with a non- smoking dining room, skittle alley and function room catering for 60, a commercial kitchen, nine comfortable en-suite letting bedrooms and a management flat. The Acorn was sold off an asking price of £750,00.