National pub operator Enterprise Inns has bought the Red Lion freehouse in the North-east Essex village of Thorrington.

The village, which is mid-way between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, is at the top of Brightlingsea Creek which has one of the last working tide mills in the country.

The 17th-century, two-storey property offers a public bar, a 48-seat bar-restaurant, two-bedroom owners’ accommodation, and a 30-seat trade patio.

Food is the major contributor to sales, accounting for 70% of turnover.

The Ipswich office of Christie + Co sold the freehold off an asking price in excess of £525,000 on behalf of NEEB Holdings.

By Angela Frewin