Brakspear buys the Lion pub in Wendlebury

Brakspear has bought the Lion in Wendlebury near Bicester, Oxfordshire, taking its managed estate up to 11 pubs.

The food-led pub has 190 covers and 13 bedrooms under construction, expected to open in March 2018.

Brakspear acquired the business from Sarah and Kerr Robinson-Smith. General manager Matt Gaby will remain with the pub.

Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: "We're delighted to be adding the Lion to our managed estate. Its focus on top-quality food and outstanding service in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect fit with the ethos of our managed business.

"The addition of bedrooms creates an exciting opportunity which we are well-placed to maximise thanks to our experience of running several pubs with rooms in the Cotswolds.

"The Lion is a popular pub which is trading well under general manager Matt Gaby and his team, who will be staying in post. We have no plans to make big changes in the short term, and will be focusing on a successful launch of the letting rooms in the spring."

Brakspear benefits from managed house investment >>

New acquisitions drive Brakspear turnover to £22m >>

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