Local operators Calum MacLean and Martin Matysik have bought the leasehold on the Snakecatcher pub in the New Forest village of Brockenhurst in Hampshire.
Matysik, the chef-proprietor of the Thatched Cottage restaurant with rooms in Brockenhurst, trained at two- and three-Michelin-star restaurants in Germany, France, Switzerland and Japan.
The food-orientated pub lies on the A337 Lyndhurst Road in the centre of village and tourist centre. Brockenhurst is within the Heritage Area of the New Forest, the former hunting ground of William the Conqueror.
Serving originally as a coaching inn and then a railway pub, the pub is now named after legendary local Victorian snakecatcher Harry (or Brusher) Mills.
It offers a 36-seat dining room, a public bar, and a skittle-alley that doubles as a function room for up to 50 guests.
Other facilities include four-bedroom owners’ accommodation, two loft rooms, trade gardens and a car park.
Acting on behalf of Lynne and Mike Sinker, the Winchester office of Christie + Co was seeking £85,000 for the leasehold, which runs until 31 July 2031, with an annual rent of £50,000. The landlord is Admiral Taverns.
By Angela Frewin