Newly-formed Oxfordshire-based pub group MGI Taverns is the new owner of the Mousetrap Inn in the Gloucestershire village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The three AA diamond-rated character inn, restaurant and hotel – whose name stems from a reputed visit from crime writer Agatha Christie – dates back to the mid-19th century.
It is located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lansdown, a short walk from the centre of the village that is known as The Venice of the Cotswolds on account of the five bridges that span the River Windrush that runs by the village.
The Cotswold stone building retains many period features such as exposed beams and an open stone fireplace.
Facilities include nine en-suite letting bedrooms, a main bar, two dining areas to seat 70 customers, front terrace seating, and owners’ accommodation.
Food accounts for 40% of sales, followed by accommodation (35%) and drinks (25%).
MGI Taverns, which is backed by a Formula 1 designer, intends to run the business under management.
The Bristol office of Christie + Co sold the freehold off an asking price of £725,000 on behalf of Keith and Yvonne Dunmur.
By Angela Frewin