Fledgling pub company British Country Inns has snapped up the Swan at Forton, a freehouse and dining destination in rural Shropshire.

The former coaching inn has a prominent position on the main A519 Eccleshall Road in Forton, which is two miles from the historic market town of Newport.

Food accounts for 60% of turnover at the pub, which is licensed for 244 customers across its multiple trading areas, which include the restaurant, Regency room, lounge, library and conservatory. The pub serves up between 800 and 1,000 carvery meals a week.

The Swan serves real ales, has its own wine and gift shop, and provides car parking and a beer garden outside.

Six rooms upstairs are being converted into en-suite letting bedrooms and owners’ accommodation.

British Country Inns – which is headed by former directors of English Country Inns (now part of Marston’s) – has acquired 15 food-led pubs since its foundation in April 2006 and it is poised to clinch another three deals.

The Birmingham office of Christie + Co sold the freehold off a guide price of £1.275m on behalf of Jean and Rick Skelton, who have owned the business for 20 years and are now running a food-led pub near the Lake District.

Their business partners, Colin and Ruth Snaith, have stayed on to manage the inn for the new owners.

By Angela Frewin