Owners of a Hampshire country house have bought a pub in Easton.

The Chestnut Horse has been bought by Avington Park after a plea from local residents.

The pub has had a fairly chequered history after a previous landlord, Andrew Caldwell, left in 2020.

The most recent landlords were the Bodle family, in 2021.

A spokesman for the Nicolas James Group, owner of Avington Park, said: “During early 2021, Avington Park received a letter from some villagers in Easton asking if Avington Park would consider buying The Chestnut Horse.

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“From there the journey began: the Brewery was contacted and an agreement was reached for the purchase of the pub. The pub is in need of some significant investment and positive feedback has been received from Winchester Council for the plans. A full planning application has now been submitted to provide up-to-date kitchen facilities and repairs to the building at the rear of the pub. 

“The plans include a local’s bar, an improved village shop, family-friendly menu and it will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The plan is to open the pub as soon as possible following the works.”

A planning application has been submitted to the city council and a website will be online soon to provide updates.