Award winning Cotswolds pub The Fox at Lower Oddington has been sold in an off-market deal.
The 16th century Gloucestershire inn with rooms has been sold to a private purchaser for an undisclosed price by real estate specialist Colliers, acting on behalf of owner Ian MacKenzie.
Peter Brunt, director in the Hotels Agency team at Colliers, said: “The Fox is a superb traditional restaurant and inn, benefitting from and ideal location in the so-called ‘Cotswolds golden triangle’ between Stow on the Wold and Chipping Norton. It was discreetly marketed in a highly confidential campaign which generated a high number of offers and keen competitive bidding, culminating in a sale which underlines the continuing strength of the market for pubs and hotels in the Cotswolds despite the impact of the pandemic upon the hospitality sector. It is clear that buyers are looking beyond the current crisis to the long-term, and are prepared to act decisively when a property which represents a unique investment opportunity, becomes available. I was absolutely delighted to be able to find an off-market buyer for Ian that matched his price aspirations for this exceptional property. Rumours of the buyer’s identity are circulating locally but I have undertaken not to reveal who they are.”
The Fox presently comprises a bar and restaurant with a menu championing quality seasonal British produce, a private dining room, plus accommodation in three stylish bedrooms.
Ian MacKenzie moved to the Cotswolds after graduating from university in 1968, and had been a local at The Fox before he bought it in 2002 in a deal also brokered by Colliers.
By the time he bought The Fox, Ian had already enjoyed a successful career in hospitality, as manager of The Hunters Lodge Restaurant, in Broadway, Worcestershire; general manager of The Dormy House hotel and restaurant in Broadway; owner of the Lambs Restaurant in Moreton in Marsh; head of operations at the Slug and Lettuce group; owner of The Ricochet Restaurant in Warwick; and owner of the food-led Ladbroke Arms in Notting Hill.
Ian went on to steer The Fox to acclaim in a succession of awards, including winning Michelin Pub of the Year in 2004.
He said: “I’ve had the most tremendous fun as owner of The Fox and I am looking forward to seeing how the new owners develop it in the future. Peter has looked after me with great care over the course of the sale process, and nobody else has his connections in the Cotswolds pub and hotel market.”
