Local buys the only pub in the village
Clive Fisher is the new owner of the Rampant Cat pub and restaurant, which is the only pub in the affluent village of Broad Layings on the Hampshire/Berkshire border.
Fisher, who lives in the neighbouring village of Burghclere, plans to run the 18th century property under management.
The property, which sits in the main street of the village that lies just five miles south of Newbury, has retained many period features such as open fireplaces and exposed beams and brickwork.
It incorporates a main bar, a 40-seat restaurant, a 16-seat conservatory, three-bedroom owners' accommodation, and landscaped gardens with a terrace to the rear.
The previous owners, Nigel Molyneaux and his parents, have also secured planning permission to build a three-bedroom house on adjacent land.
The Winchester office of Christie + Co was seeking offers of around £700,000 for the freehold.
By Angela Frewin
