Pair take reins at Black Horse

The Black Horse Inn, set at the heart of the village of Thorndon in Suffolk, attracted interest from as far afield as Somerset, when it was put on the market.

But successful purchasers were Darren and Jenni Hayward, who had previously been licensees at the Kings Head Hotel in Hoveton near Norwich, for five years.

They intend to build on the already sound business base at the Black Horse and are now offering traditional fresh cooked English food with an emphasis on local ingredients.

The pub, which is reputed to date from around 1550, has been recently refurbished to a high standard. It has a three-section main bar with exposed timbers, and two restaurants, one of which is non-smoking.

It was sold on behalf of owner Andrew Stevens by Britannia Business Sales for an undisclosed sum.

Britannia managing director Alan Crowest said: "The Black Horse is a superb example ofa period village inn with extensive facilities for which there is great demand in Norfolk and Suffolk.

"Accordingly the Black Horse attracted great interest from prospective purchasers from as far away as Somerset."