New owner of Lincolnshire inn drafts in ex-Winteringham Fields chefs

First-time buyer Chris Nicholas has bought the Hare and Hounds country inn in Lincolnshire for close to the asking price of £625,000.

To drive his plans to ramp up the food offer, Nicholas has drafted in two former chefs from the two Michelin-star Winteringham Fields restaurant in Lincolnshire. The head chef is Gavin Aitkenhead, supported by sous chef Mark Soldur.

Nicholas plans to reopen the eight-bedroom property in February or March next year following a refurbishment that will substantially increase the seating capacity to around 60 covers.

The property is sited in the conservation village of Fulbeck, on the A607 Lincoln-to-Grantham road. It is a classic country village inn with whitewashed walls, red-tiled roof, mews courtyard, open fires and beamed ceilings.

The Leeds office of property agent Colliers Robert Barry acted for the vendors, David and Alison Nicholas.