Employee buys grand old hotel

A HOTEL in Ramsey is under new ownership after one of its employees bought the landlords out. The George pub/restaurant was sold by Christie and Co on behalf of licensees Ian and Julie Cornthwaite, who have run the hotel for approximately 18 months. The n

A HOTEL in Ramsey is under new ownership after one of its employees bought the landlords out.

The George pub/restaurant was sold by Christie and Co on behalf of licensees Ian and Julie Cornthwaite, who have run the hotel for approximately 18 months.

The new licensee is Christine Kirby, whose father Kevin, a combine harvester dealer, purchased the business for her to run.

The guide price for the hotel was £175,000, though the final sale price has not been disclosed.

Ms Kirby, 31, is originally from Essex and began working at The George six months ago. She will be joined behind the bar by her mother, Debbie.

Ms Kirby told The Hunts Post she intends to make the venue available for food from Tuesday to Sunday both at lunchtimes and in the evenings.

The building itself dates from 1630 and is Grade II listed. It is thought that the staircase in the hotel is the oldest in Cambridgeshire.

Over time, the property has been extended to the rear to incorporate function rooms and letting accommodation. There are 11 en-suite bedrooms, a reception with downstairs restaurant, a first-floor restaurant, public bar, games room and function rooms. There is also a beer garden at the rear.

The hotel fronts on to The High Street, with the archway having previously been a continuation of the main Great Whyte road.