A CLOSED pub has been put back on the market with a view to reopening.

Christie & Co is marketing The Plough Inn in Longparish, near Andover, for £550,000.

It is a well-known and previously successful destination pub, with a reputation for high-quality food. It closed its doors for business at the end of December 2015.

Villagers have fought a campaign to save it, forming the Plough Ahead group.

In its recent heyday, the pub was owned by top chef, James Durrant. In March 2012 James took over The Plough Inn and only six months after opening, The Plough was awarded the UK Pub of the Year Award by the Good Food Guide. It was also awarded two AA rosettes, has been included in the 2014 Michelin Guide and awarded a BIB Gourmand rating two years running.

The Plough Inn is a large, character three-storey property, briefly comprising an open plan trading area with seating for 60, six-bedroom owner's accommodation as well as function rooms. Externally there is parking for 26 cars and a large trade garden.

The business presents a great opportunity for a prospective buyer interested in restoring the pub to its former glory. There is potential to increase income by adding letting rooms to be used as bed and breakfast accommodation (subject to planning).

The village is only currently served by one other pub, so this sale offers huge potential to the new owners. It is a valued asset at the heart of the Longparish village community and the residents of the village are keen for the pub to be reopened.

Richard Wood, associate director at Christie & Co, said:“The Plough Inn represents a great opportunity for an experienced publican to reopen what once was a thriving pub in the affluent village of Longparish. I believe that with the addition of letting rooms and a strong food trade, the pub would no doubt have the support of the local community.”