A Northumberland pub dating back to the early 1700s is to be given a new lease of life after being acquired by a North East hospitality group.
The Highlander, a former coaching inn and watering hole of Bonnie Prince Charlie, has been bought by the team behind Northumberland wedding venue, Ellingham Hall. Based close to the village of Belsay, locals were dismayed when the Grade II listed pub – set on the side of the A696 – was closed down more than two years ago.
The building was put up for sale by UK’s largest pub company, Stonegate, which hoped that its centuries of history would tempt in new owners. Now the popular pub, just a five-minute drive from Newcastle Airport with a restaurant area, open plan lounge bar and function room, has been bought by the Ellingham Hall group, after it was put on the market with a valuation of £500,000.
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The firm plans to breathe new life into the village’s last remaining pub by carrying out a significant refurbishment programme, aiming for an Easter 2023 opening.
Anthony Hunter, director at Ellingham Hall, said: “The Highlander is steeped in heritage and we’re thrilled to have added it to our portfolio. Over the coming months, we plan to invest significantly in a redevelopment programme that will breathe new life into the site, ensuring it once again is at the heart of the Belsay community while preserving its rich history and we can’t wait to get started.”
The venue was marketed by leading North East commercial and residential property agency, Bradley Hall. Neil Hart, group managing director at Bradley Hall, said: “The Highlander has been at the heart of Belsay’s community for the best part of 300 years so we’re delighted to have been able to work with Anthony and the team to get this deal over the line.
“The team has a track record of lovingly restoring and managing heritage venues and so we have every confidence that they’ll prove a real hit among the local community as they breathe new life into this much-loved venue.”
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