Lucky Onion group co-founder Sam Pearman has added the Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood to his new Country Creatures venture.

Peter Brunt, a director with Colliers International's hotels team, who brokered the deal, said: "Originally offered as a confidential lease opportunity, the new owners have instead bought the freehold for an undisclosed sum.

"Sam and Georgie Pearman were the former co-owners of the Lucky Onion group of pubs and hotels, backed by Julian Dunkerton of Superdry fame.

"Their new venture is Country Creatures, which also operates The Talbot in Malton and The Chequers in Churchill.

"They have added the Swan to their portfolio and will be looking to develop Country Creatures into a group of inns and hotels."

The pretty Cotswold pub, in an affluent village close to Chipping Norton, has 65 covers, a function room and eight letting rooms.

Peter Brunt said: "Our clients bought the Swan in a very rundown state back in 2016 and set about an ambitious refurbishment. But keeping the pub had never been their intention.

"Net turnover of £406,000 during its build-up year underlines the huge growth opportunities. I am sure this fabulous pub will go very well under new management."

The village of Ascott is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the Swan is likely to have existed before the first documented record in 1790.