Former Mason Arms owner Gerry Stonhill buys Railway Inn

The owner of the former Mason Arms pub, which was once described by chef Raymond Blanc as his "all-time favourite", is to revive the nearby Railway Inn.

The historic Railway Inn, near Witney in Oxfordshire, has been bought by Gerry Stonhill, as he wanted to find a more manageable venue after closing the Mason Arms in May last year.

Refurbished in full in 2007, the 250-year-old, 40-seat pub has an open-plan bar and dining area, original stonework, word-burning stove, and owner accommodation. There is also a full kitchen, beer cellar and 30-seat outdoor garden space.

The site had been suggested as worth offers of over £475,000, although it was not actually officially on the market at the time of sale. The deal was brokered by Colliers International.

Stonhill's previous pub was known for good food and drink, and gained a certain notoriety thanks to its own helicopter pad and hitting the headlines in 2008 for flouting the smoking ban.

It had a thatched roof, car park, garden and outbuildings. It was put on the market at a guide price of £750,000 in October and sold in January; the new owner is said to be refurbishing it with a view to re-opening but has not yet announced a date.

Raymond Blanc's ‘all-time favourite' pub back on sale after deal falls through >>