Local restaurateurs buy Dorset restaurant

Local restaurateurs Gary and Nicky Watling have bought Drusilla's Inn, a thatched country freehouse and restaurant in Horton, Dorset.

The stone building retains a number of period features such as exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and a thatched roof that takes a highly-distinctive conical shape atop the Tower Room restaurant.

Food represents 70% of sales and the trading zones include two dining areas, a lounge bar and a contemporary-style public bar that can seat a total of 120 customers.

The new owners previously leased the Herb Pot in Ashurst and Gary's 20 years experience as a chef included a stint Lord Montagu's Beaulieu Estate.

There is also two-bedroom owners' accommodation and the three-acre grounds incorporate a trade garden, paddocks, outbuildings and a car park.

The Winchester office of Christie + Co sold the freehold off an asking price of £795,000 on behalf of Ron and Angela Wright while Christie Finance arranged the mortgage for the buyers.

By Angela Frewin