A Northumberland pub dating back to the early 1700s is to be given a new lease of life after being acquired by a North East hospitality group.
The Highlander, a former coaching inn and watering hole of Bonnie Prince Charlie, has been bought by the team behind Northumberland wedding venue, Ellingham Hall. Based close to the village of Belsay, locals were dismayed when the Grade II listed pub – set on the side of the A696 – was closed down more than two years ago.
The building was put up for sale by UK’s largest pub company, Stonegate, which hoped that its centuries of history would tempt in new owners. Now the popular pub, just a five-minute drive from Newcastle Airport with a restaurant area, open plan lounge bar and function room, has been bought by the Ellingham Hall group, after it was put on the market with a valuation of £500,000.
