Avening’s village inn the Queen Matilda is reopening this year under new ownership following its sale to Joanne Vogler and James Redding this month.
The traditional pub with three letting bedrooms in Star Lane, is constructed in mellow Cotswold stone, with a slate roof, and in part dates back to the 1600s. Currently it operates five evenings a week and a Sunday lunch trade.
The previously owners had bought the business in July 2014 and completely refurbished the pub before reopening that autumn. In 2016 they added three letting bedrooms to the business creating additional revenue. The couple sold the pub, which also includes owners’ accommodation, in order to begin their retirement this year.
Joanne said: “We’re very excited to have taken over the Queen Matilda and look forward to becoming part of the Avening community. Currently closed for renovations, we are hoping to open in March to welcome guests to stay and dine, enjoying good food and wine which focuses on local and seasonal ingredients.”
The Queen Matilda is located in the town of Avening, which is home to Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park and its famous horse trials. The inn has ample outside space for customers to enjoy with picnic tables at the front to catch the evening sun, while there is also further seating at the back with a garden and an orchard with plum, pear and apple trees.
Peter Brunt from Colliers’ Hotel Agency team which acted for the vendors, said: “The Queen Matilda is one of those pubs that you would love to have as your local, it’s incredibly inviting when you walk through the doors, especially with its three roaring fireplaces.
“Our clients created a great business which has suited their requirements, but the beauty of it is that there’s room for growth if the new owners desire it. There’s already planning permission to create two additional letting bedrooms, and the possibility of more additional trading hours, depending on their priorities. I wish Joanne and James the best of luck in their new venture.”
