A PUB near Chipping Norton is in new hands after the sale of the freehold.

The Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood is now part of Sam Pearman's Country Creatures venture.

The Cotswolds pub in a picturesque location sits 65 people, has a function room and eight letting rooms.

The pub's freehold has been sold in a deal brokered by Colliers International.

Mr Pearman is the former Lucky Onion group co-founder, the group of pubs and hotels backed by Julian Dunkerton of Superdry fame.

Peter Brunt, a director with Colliers International’s hotels’ team, said: "Originally offered as a confidential lease opportunity the new owners have instead bought the freehold for an undisclosed sum.

"Sam and Georgie Pearman's new venture is Country Creatures which also operates The Talbot in Malton and The Chequers in Churchill.

"They have added the Swan to their portfolio and will be looking to develop Country Creatures in to a group of inns and hotels.

“Our clients bought the Swan in a very rundown state back in 2016 and set about an ambitious refurbishment. But keeping the pub had never been their intention.

“The function room could be converted to provide two or three additional letting rooms, but no planning permission has been made.

“Net turnover of £406,000 during its build-up year underlines the huge growth opportunities at one of my favourite Cotswold pubs. I am sure this fabulous pub will go very well under new management.”

The village of Ascott is mentioned in the Domesday Book, 1086 and the Swan is likely to have existed before the first documented record in 1790. Colliers International acted on behalf of Charlie and Willow Crossley who continue to own and operate the Bull at Charlbury.

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