The pub, which dates back to 1877, overlooks the Knebworth Park Estate that hosted one of the largest gigs in UK music history when Oasis played to 250,000 people in its grounds in August 1996.
The Nye family has strong ties to its latest acquisition, as Steve Nye ran the real ale pub in the 1990s.
'Writing the next chapter'
ACI managing director James Nye said: “When we heard about the opportunity of the Lytton Arms, it was very hard not to be excited. I had my first job scrubbing dishes in the kitchen and it is a pub very close to our family.
"While wet-led pubs may have been struggling during recent years, we feel there is a great opportunity to make the most of the free-of-tie position to curate an exciting collection of real ales, craft beers and ciders, alongside an authentic food offer.
“We are very excited to be writing the next chapter for the Lytton Arms and very much look forward to serving the local community. This sort of pub is very much part of our ethos and we see it as a great opportunity to further expand our existing successful portfolio.”
Much-loved watering hole
Group director Howard Nye added: “This exciting acquisition is very close to my heart and we know it is a much-loved local watering hole. The refurbishment will not detract from its original character and will make the most of the [Edwin] Lutyens building and the history attached to the pub and the park.
“We want to create a great environment to enjoy the quality range of beers and make the most of the rotating cask ales on the 10 hand pulls as well as a wholesome rustic menu created from local produce. The beer garden will be completely revamped too.”
The Lytton Arms joins the Farmhouse at Redcoats, Hertfordshire; the White Horse and the Jolly Sailors, both Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk; the Cricketers, Weston, Hertfordshire; the Fox, Willian, Hertfordshire; Hermitage Rd Bar & Restaurant, Hitchin, Hertfordshire; Water Lane Bar & Restaurant, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire; and the Kings Head, Letheringsett, Norfolk; in ACI’s now nine-strong portfolio.