Famous Norfolk Hoste Arms pub estate is sold to a Whittome family friend

The business comprises nine freehold properties, including the Hoste Arms hotel, Vine House, the Railway Inn, the Hoste Beauty & Wellness Spa and the company’s Burnham Market holiday cottages, all in Burnham Market.

Residents and shareholders in BNB Leisure, Brendan and Bee Hopkins, have bought the estate from Jeanne Whittome, who has run the businesses since her husband Paul’s death in 2010 and refused several offers in the past.

“I have been an advisor to the company for many years and Paul was one of our best friends,” said executive chair Brendan. “Jeanne had told me about the approaches to buy, mostly from breweries and London-based entrepreneurs, and we decided to keep it local. Over the years a lot of my proposals have been implemented, but there are more opportunities in multiple sites in the area. We have bought the business to invest.”

Whittome will stay on as an informal advisor.

The beauty spa opened in January last year and is “going very well and still growing”. Around 80% of users are hotel guests with the rest coming from outside. Existing staff will remain at the business, which has a reported £7m annual turnover, including head chef Aaron Smith.