Wykeham buys Dartmoor freehouse

November 19, 2006: Wykeham Inns, the Plymouth-based inn and restaurant company, has acquired the 16th century Ring of Bells at North Bovey, on Dartmoor.

Chief executive John Steven said: "The acquisition of the Ring of Bells represents a fabulous opportunity for the company, bringing the number of businesses it now owns up to eight.

"The Ring of Bells is the only freehouse on Dartmoor, giving us an opportunity to apply our award-winning formula to the property."

Wykeham Inns' first property, the Dartmoor Union Inn, at Holbeton, won Devon pub of the year in 2005 and dining pub of the year for the whole of the UK in the Les Routiers guide.

The second property it opened, the Rose & Crown, Yealmpton, also scooped pub of the year in the Good Pub Guide for Devon, uniquely giving Wykeham Inns the pub of the year for Devon award in two consecuative years for two different properties.

The Rose & Crown was also awarded two AA Rosettes, and the head chef was voted chef of the yar at the Devon County Show earlier this year.

Wykeham Inns operation director Alan Knight said: "We plan to invest quite heavily in the property to build on the very strong reputation that the Ring of Bells already has, and to create a really good quality destination inn, obviously benefiting the local community with additional investment in jobs, but also making sure that this wonderful old inn goes from strength to strength."

The property was sold on a freehold basis. The purchase price is subject to a confidentiality agreement, but the property has previously been marketed at £850,000.