New owners Matt and Katie Beamish plan to change little at the 75-cover, six bedroom venue but will inject their personalities and energy into it.
The Kingham Plough, Oxfordshire, has been a mainstay on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, placing in 22nd position this year.
Both Matt and Katie had been searching for a food-led pub in the area for several years.
Raymond Blanc and Jamie Oliver
The pair previously worked with Raymond Blanc, Jamie Oliver and Fergus Henderson.
Following the deal, which was brokered by Colliers International, Matt said of the Kingham Plough: “It is pretty much there. We aren’t planning to change a great deal about it other than bringing our personalities and energy to freshen it up a little.
“What we are hoping to do is open the doors to villagers and people in the area and inviting them to come and say hello.”
Colliers International director for hotels Peter Brunt said: “The Kingham Plough is not just a wonderful example of a Cotswolds country pub. It is a highly successful business.”
Leading example of success
Brunt added: “This is possibly the leading example of a successful inn in the heart of the Cotswolds.”
Watkins took the Kingham Plough on with Lampson in 2007, growing its presence and winning numerous awards since.
In 2015, it entered the Top 50 Gastropubs list at number 15, before being named the 2019 National Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide.
The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2019 list was announced in January, with the Sportsman in Seasalter, Kent, taking the top spot for another year.