Nobody Inn stays private

Acclaimed Devon pub the Nobody Inn has been sold to a group of private investors.

The food-led pub, in Doddiscombsleigh, has amassed a huge collection of awards over the years, including Pub Of The Year in The Good Pub Guide and numerous awards for the quality of its wines and cheeses.

The freehold property sold off an asking price of £1.6m through Christie+Co.

Andy and Rowena Whiteman, current owners of the Harris Arms gastropub near Okehampton, will take on the running of the pub. The couple are no strangers to awards themselves having won numerous industry accolades.

Andy said: "We plan to keep the pub looking exactly the same - it's a very traditional place and to change anything would be a real shame."

They plan to refurbish the kitchen and bring in their own chefs from the Harris Arms, but they are keen to reassure customers that they will not change the look of the Nobody Inn or take the famous steak and kidney pudding off the menu.

Jon Clyne, of Christie+Co, reported strong interest from pubcos as well as private buyers and numerous offers were made.

The pub was purchased by Jennie and Phillip Bolton in 1970 and continued under their son Nick Borst-Smith and his wife Lesley. The family plans to stay in the area and have retained ownership of the house on the pubs grounds.

The pub is built from stone and cob and is described as having immense character with low beamed ceilings and a large inglenook fireplace.

and dark wood furniture. In addition to the public bar and dining areas there are four letting bedrooms a beer garden and patio.

The Whiteman's other pub, the Harris Arms, is on the market with Colliers Robert Barry at an asking of £650,000 for the freehold.