THE NEW owner of The Village Inn in Buriton says he wants to reopen the pub as soon as possible.

The recently refurbished pub with 17 letting bedrooms, was sold to Chris Cooper of Jameson Cooper Limited through specialist business property adviser, Christie and Co.

Chris Cooper said: “After a long career in the hospitality industry having worked my way up the ranks with Whitbread, Gary Rhodes and Forte Hotels, I am very much looking forward to taking the reins at The Village Inn and developing a wonderful venue for the local community and visitors to the area to enjoy.

“My vision is to reopen the business as soon as possible, and for it to become known for its great food, drinks, accommodation quality and service.

“With chef patron, Heinrich Boreniok at the helm, our ideas for the food is to develop a ‘Grill House’ style of menu, featuring top notch dry-aged steaks, free-range poultry, prime orchard fed pork and more. Along with some well-chosen cask ales, interesting wines and a ‘gin cellar’, we want to support local farmers, growers and suppliers, and create something outstanding.”

Having been closed for a while, the venue is due to reopen in the coming weeks, he added.

Richard Wood, Business Agent at Christie and Co’s Winchester office who handled the sale comments, said: “The Village Inn received a number of competitive bids before being finally sold in excess of the guide price.

“Sitting in such a prominent location in the village, I am sure the local community will be delighted to see their pub reopening again. We wish the new owner the best of luck in his latest venture.”