Cockermouth publicans Mike and Susan Askey have bought the Royal Yew in the nearby Cumbrian village of Dean.
The Askeys also own The Bitter End in Cockermouth which has its own micro-brewery.
The Royal Yew is a highly profitable and historic food-led pub in the heart of the village that takes its name from the ancient yew tree on its forecourt that is believed to be between 800 and 1,000 years old.
Built in 1750, the building reputedly has links with the 13th century.
It now offers a main bar with beamed ceiling and Victorian fireplace, a dining room, a further dining area and a bar lounge.
There is also a two-bedroom owners’ flat, a commercial kitchen, a boiler house, a cold room, a laundry room and a beer cellar.
The Manchester office of Colliers Robert Barry sold the freehold off an asking price of around £595,000 on behalf of Ed and Julie Fearon. The property was also advertised for offers of £120,000 for the free-of-tie lease.
By Angela Frewin