Award-winning Hampshire inn changes hands
The award-winning Star Inn country pub and restaurant in Hampshire has been bought by Alan and Lesley Newitt from Herefordshire whose son Justin has taken on the role of head chef.
The character inn is tucked away in a country lane next to the village cricket pitch in East Tytherley, the smallest village in the Test Valley Borough in Hampshire.
The Star Inn dates back to the 17th century, when it served as the village shop and alehouse, and it retains period features such as exposed beams and open fireplaces.
Set in an acre of land, the property has two bars, a 38-seat restaurant and a 40-seat function room/skittle alley in the former stables, along with three letting bedrooms in a purpose-built annexe.
It also has a three-bedroom owners' accommodation, beer patio, children's play area, car park, private courtyard and garage.
The inn, which holds two AA rosettes and four diamonds, has won several accolades for its food. It was voted the Hampshire Dining Pub of the Year in 2003 by the Good Pub Guide in 2003 and the Pub Restaurant of the Year in the Publican Pub Food Awards 2002.
The Winchester office of Christie + Co sold the remainder of the 25-year, free-of-tie lease for close to the asking price of £179,950 on behalf of Paul and Sarah Bingham, who owned the property for five years.