Chester Race Company buys Bunbury pub

Chester Race Company has bolstered its portfolio of restaurants and bars with the acquisition of the Yew Tree in Bunbury, Cheshire, for an undisclosed sum.

The 19th-century free house is the fifth venue for the company and marks its first venture outside of Chester city centre.

Lynsey Jones, restaurant group manager for Chester Racecourse Company, said the decision to broaden the company's geographical reach follows the success of its existing operations.

"We have ventured out of the city centre, because of the success of the current venues based in and around Chester," she said. "There was an appetite to expand further afield and explore the use of the current infrastructure in locations where an opportunity has arisen."

Chloe Turner has joined the business as general manager of the Yew Tree with 15 years' experience in the pub trade, including a number of roles with pubco Brunning & Price.

The pub will serve a selection of local cask ales and artisan gins alongside a menu devised by Craig Wainwright, who has worked for Chester Race Company for four years.

The Yew Tree, which was bought on a leasehold basis, will reopen on 19 April following a refurbishment of its interior.

The 1539 restaurant and bar, which was the Chester Race Company's first foray into the food and drink sector, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in May. It was followed by the White Horse pub at Chester Racecourse, the Commonhall St Social and most recently Ginger in Chester city centre.

Commenting on her appointment, Turner said: "I am so excited to be part of this project, Bunbury is such a beautiful place, I can't wait to welcome the locals to our lovely new pub."

Wainwright added: "Cheshire has so many fantastic growers and farmers and I am looking forward to developing a menu that utilises what our amazing county has to offer."

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