Half Moon enters new phase of ownership

The Half Moon, a traditional 16th-century thatched freehouse in Essex, has changed hands.

The inn, which overlooks the village green at Belchamp St Paul, has been purchased by Mike and Maureen Leach for an undisclosed sum off an asking price of £307,000.

The couple previously owned the Dunmow Inn at Great Dunmow.

The Half Moon's vendors were Martin Thoday and Shirley Moore, who are retiring.

Bill Colquhoun, of the Ipswich office of Christie & Co, said: "The tranquil village of Belchamp St Paul, with its picturesque thatched cottages grouped around the village green, was voted winner of the Essex Best Kept Village Award 2003.

"Located in the Stour Valley and surrounded by open countryside, the village is on the route of several rural walks.

Belchamp St Paul can be found off the A1092, two miles south of Clare and five miles west of Sudbury.

"The Half Moon is a pretty, thatched inn with a timber beamed bar and a confession nook' in the old inglenook fireplace."

The inn features a lounge bar to seat 30, an area for pub games, a 20-cover restaurant, a three-bedroom owner's accommodation and a beer garden.

Colquhoun said the present division of trade was about 50% bar to 50% catering, with both elements of the trade continuing to grow, despite remaining closed all day on Mondays and on Sunday evenings.

"The inn is well known for its pleasant setting and for offering genuine hospitality, high quality food and a good range of cask ales, draught and bottled beers and lagers, wines and a selection of malt whiskies.