Andy Clark and Lucy Townsend add to pub portfolio

Former Caterer Adopted Business stars Andy Clark and Lucy Townsend have bought the Queen's Arms in the Lambourne Valley near Newbury.

The chefs-turned-restaurateurs already run the recently re-opened Anchor Inn at Lower Froyle and the Peat Spade Inn in Longstock, both of which are in Hampshire.

Like its sister properties, the pub will serve modern British food in its 60-seat restaurant and specialise in sourcing local produce.

Average spend per head will be in the region of £30 for three courses, inclusive of wine.

Clark said: "We'll do a similar style of food, but the menu won't be exactly the same as at the other two pubs because we want all three to retain their individuality."

The property also has 10 bedrooms which will be modernised as part of a two phase refurbishment programme, which Clark and Townsend plan to implement when they takeover the pub after Easter.

It is understood that the combined purchase and refurbishment cost of the property is in the region of £1m.

Head chef is Matt Armitage-Green, who previously worked at Hotel du Vin's Tunbridge Wells and Henley-on-Thames properties.

Peat Spade Inn: Keeping it classic >>

By Joanna Wood

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