Plough Inn formerly owned by chef James Durrant on the market

The freehold of the Plough Inn in Longparish, formerly owned by chef James Durrant, is on the market for £550,000.

The Acorn Award winner and 2014 Great British Menu winner closed the two-AA-rosette Hampshire restaurant at the end of 2015 after three years.

At the time he told The Caterer: “I think it comes down to location and I just can't seem to make it work. Lunch trade has always been great and weekends are packed, but we struggle to fill the place during weekday evenings. We thought we would have regular trade with the pub but it doesn't appear to be the culture here."

He moved to London in 2016 to the role of executive chef at the Stafford hotel in London, a role he has since departed.

The three-storey, 18th century property comprises an open plan area with seating for 60, owner's accommodation with six bedrooms, and function rooms.

Christie & Co, which is marketing the property, said the village is only currently served by one other pub, so the sale offers “huge potential” and that residents 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.”