Fledgling gastropub company Artisan Leisure had added a second site.

Artizan, which is headed by Phil Thomas, has bought the Horseshoe inn in Mamhilad, Monmouthshire.

It already owns the Bush pub in St Hilary, Vale of Glamorgan.

“Over the next 12 months we will concentrate on introducing new menus and refurbishing the outside of the inn,” said Thomas of the Horseshoe. “Ultimately, we want to position it as a two AA rosette establishment.”

Thomas said the intention was to acquire a select number of additional pubs over the coming years to complete the group.

Artizan intends to develop each pub on an individual basis, with no corporate theme or design. The company is backed by HSBC bank.

By Chris Druce

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.