Villagers' pub-restaurant sold on

VILLAGERS in Broughton, who banded together eight years ago to buy and save their village pub and restaurant, have now sold it again. Agents Christie and Company said the 18th Century Grade II Listed Crown, opposite the village church, had been sold for a

VILLAGERS in Broughton, who banded together eight years ago to buy and save their village pub and restaurant, have now sold it again.

Agents Christie and Company said the 18th Century Grade II Listed Crown, opposite the village church, had been sold for an undisclosed figure after offers in excess of £500,000 were sought for the freehold.

It was sold on behalf of Interaspect Ltd, a company formed by village residents who saved the pub from closure eight years ago and operated it under a chef/patron tenant. The new owner is Albanwise Ltd, a private Norfolk-based property investment company with large-scale farming operations in Norfolk and Yorkshire and property interests in London and the Home Counties. Albanwise will install a tenant or lessee to continue the Crown's superb reputation.

Christie director Bill Colquhoun said: "We are delighted to have sold The Crown for a second time. We first handled the sale in 2000 when it was being sold as part of a corporate disposal.

"Following a well-supported public meeting, local residents joined together and purchased The Crown to keep it as a licensed property. The pub re-opened following refurbishment and extension in March 2001, and has since gained an excellent reputation as a village pub and dining destination with food accounting for 65 per cent of turnover.

"The Crown has earned a clutch of accolades and inclusion in all the major guides."

The character brick-built and tiled property consists of a 20-cover bar and 36-cover restaurant, two-bedroom owner's accommodation, a lawned beer garden, a patio with seating for 50 and a car park.