The Chestnut Group further extends hotel-pub portfolio in East Anglia

The 10-bedroom Black Lion hotel, restaurant and pub in Long Melford, Suffolk, has closed for refurbishment following the acquisition of its leasehold by the Chestnut Group.

It will join five other pubs in the East Anglian-based group including the Packhorse Inn and Blackbirds Inn, both near Newmarket; the Rupert Brooke in Cambridge; the Northgate in Bury St Edmunds; and the White Horse in Easton, near Framlington.

The acquisition of the pub is the latest move by the pub towards achieving its goal of 10 sites by 2018.

Philip Turner, founder of the Chestnut Group, said that the Black Lion has a great history. "Our team members and the local community are passionate about this site and are very excited about this new chapter.

"Our aim is for the Black Lion to be a place that locals are proud of and a destination of choice for the growing number of visitors to the area each year."

The new team at the Black Lion will include the first graduates of the Chestnut Academy, which was set up in 2015 to offer vocational training and a guaranteed management position at the end of the programme.

Turner added: "The academy has been an overwhelming success. We currently have eight fantastic students on the academy who are looking forward to starting their management career with the Chestnut Group."

The Chestnut Group was launched in 2012 with the vision of becoming a leading innovator in delivering quality hospitality through "fantastic food, quality service and stylish interiors".

Chestnut Group plans to hit 10 sites by 2018 >>

Group executive head chef position created as Chestnut Group plans £2.5m expansion >>

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