Young's snaps up pub linked to Gordon Ramsay

Young's pub group has acquired the Ship Inn, in Noss Mayo, south west Devon, despite rumours Gordon Ramsay had shown an interest in taking on the freehold site.

The waterside pub located on the tidal Yealm Estuary was marketed by Colliers in August for offers in the region of £3.7m and rumours circulated that Ramsay could be considering a bid after locals spotted him looking round the venue.

The building features a 160-cover ground floor pub and dining room, private pier, garden and waterfront terrace with space for 200-covers, as well as a 20-cover private dining room.

The Ship Inn has been run by the Bullock family for the past 16 years and Young's has said it is committed to ensuring the venue retains its pub values and original features.

Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young's, said: "We are delighted that the Bullock family has entrusted us with the Ship Inn. Its unique location and excellent reputation make it the perfect addition to the Young's family and it fits with our overall strategy to celebrate proper pubs with British heritage."

Ed Jefferson, from Colliers Hotels Agency, added: "I'm thrilled to have worked with Lisa and Charles Bullock to secure the kind of outcome they were looking for. The Ship Inn is in a great location and thanks to their stewardship, they have built a strong brand, which has the backing of the local community – it ties in perfectly with Young's ethos."

The Ship Inn will be Young's fifth site in Devon, joining sister pubs Boathouse and the Seagate, located in North Devon, the Grove in Exmouth and the City Gate and Double Locks in Exeter.