TV presenter takes on Dorset pub
TV presenter Fiona Phillips has become the latest celebrity to venture into pub ownership.
She and husband Martin Frizell have bought the freehold of the Greyhound Inn in Sydling St Nicholas, Dorset, and will officially take over next Tuesday (1 March).
Two couples currently co-own the pub, having bought it for £575,000 five years ago. John Ford and his partner will be staying on for six months in an agreement with Phillips to show two new female staff the ropes.
The celebrity couple live in London, but have a house near the pub and have been infrequent customers at the Greyhound.
"They are not experienced in the trade so my partner and I will be staying on for six months," said co-owner John Ford.
"They are great — a very nice, outgoing couple. Martin has always wanted to get into the licensed trade and he will be quite hands-on. I wish them every success."
The pub, which has six guest bedrooms, was named Dorset Dining Pub of the Year 2009 and 2010 in the Good Pub Guide and was awarded a 1 AA Rosette in 2009 for culinary excellence.
Ford now plans to go into semi-retirement and plans to travel with his partner.
