Adam & Eve changes hands

A pub reputed to be the oldest in Lincoln has changed hands.

The Adam & Eve Tavern has been trading as a pub since the early 1700s with a testimonial board from the bar depicting Thomas McKinder as the first landlord in 1701.

More recently it was the focal point of the Save the Adam campaign, when it was faced with the threat of closure and received a huge amount of support.

"The pub has a fantastic history and has been featured in a number of programme and feature films," said Jon Heald, from Christie & Co's Nottingham office, which handled the sale.

"It is also reputed to have a hidden tunnel in the grounds that is believed to lead to Lincoln Minster."

The Grade-II listed inn provoked terrific interest and was bought by Nick Jones for an undisclosed sum off an asking price of £55,000, leasehold. Jones has many years' experience in senior hotel management.

The pub was refurbished in January 2004, but retains a wealth of character features. It has a main bar, with two snug booths, a 45-cover restaurant and a pool room. There is also a beer garden, picnic bench seating for 30 and a patio area for 30.