The Country Pub Group, owned by young hospitality entrepreneur Matthew Lowe, has purchased two (and the only) pubs from Flatcappers, The Battleaxes in Wraxall, and The Castle Inn in Bradford-on-Avon.
The Country Pub Group currently owns and runs The Mendip Inn, Shepton Mallet, and the acquisition boosts its portfolio to three. The company will be focusing on providing a consistently high quality of food, drink and accommodation throughout.
Lowe is passionate about providing seasonal, local food and will be bringing this ethos to the two venues. Ensuring that they support British farmers, and where possible buy from artisan producers.
Lowe (pictured right) said, “We’re excited to have purchased two venues that align with our group vision, and feature guest accommodation that is in line with The Mendip Inn’s latest addition, recently refurbished character bedrooms.
“Quality, simplicity and crafting beautiful dishes that are mouth-wateringly good is the foundation upon which the Country Pub kitchens work. We will be focusing on providing great service and even better food, in all three venues. Using locally sourced, seasonal produce, whenever possible.
“Expect salmon cured in-house, butcher’s choice meat and the tastiest of vegetables. Fresh fish and unusual cuts of meat will feature prominently on our specials boards, and our Head Chef will be creating a constantly changing menu in tandem with the seasons, using natural ingredients in their prime, as well as game throughout the autumn.”
Previous Flatcappers Operations Manager, Tony De Brito (left) is remaining with the pubs and will head up the operations for The Country Pub Group. He said, “It’s a very exciting time, I’m looking forward to adopting a fresh approach and working with Matthew to achieve the group vision.”
Mike Osborne, business advisor from The Fabulous Group, who have supported Matthew through the development of the existing site and this subsequent purchase, said, “The Country Pub Group has seen brilliant success at The Mendip Inn, through concentrating on service and quality in all three offerings – food, drink and accommodation.
'These two new venues are a great strategic fit with the concept on which The Country Pub Group will be developed and grown over the coming years.”