David and Marion Owens – who cooked for former Prime Minister Tony Blair at their Ministers restaurant and at his home – have sold their business in Sedgefield, County Durham.

Ministers restaurant occupies a two-storey, mid-terrace property in the conservation area of Church View in the centre of the village.

The business comprises a 40-seat restaurant, a 25-seat bar-reception, a 35-seat conservatory, two-bedroom owners’ accommodation, and a patio with a walled garden and fountain.

New owner Neil Harvey from Sunderland is a freehold commercial property owner who intends to reopen Ministers as an Indian restaurant.

The Newcastle office of Christie + Co sold the freehold off an asking price of £495,000.

By Angela Frewin