A Ribble Valley pub is set to reopen in 2023 after being taken over by a new company.

The Assheton Arms in the village of Downham, near Clitheroe, is set to reopen its doors in February 2023 after being closed for 18 months.

It will also reopen under new ownership of Bowland Inns & Hotels, the parent company behind Bowland Brewery and the James’ Places collection of hotels, inns and restaurants.

This isafter the hospitality group  reached a lease agreement with the trustees of the Downham Estate.

James Warburton, the Bowland Inns and Hotels owner and chairman, said he is “delighted” to have secured the Grade II-listed pub.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have secured the Assheton Arms and will be bringing it into our family of local hotels and Inns.

“As a big admirer and customer of this wonderful pub, and past resident of Downham itself, I know just how fond of the pub people are.

“Thanks to the way Downham Estate manages its properties, the 18 months closure has been kind to The Assheton Arms.

"We just need a few weeks to warm the building through, refresh one or two things and we will be on our way. February 2023 can’t come soon enough.”

Ribble Valley landowner, the Honourable Ralph Assheton said: “The business lease of the Assheton Arms came back into the ownership of Downham Estate at the beginning of this year.

“Since then, we have taken the opportunity to carry out a number of essential repairs to the main building and its 12 letting rooms, as well as redecorating the exterior and sprucing up the garden areas.

“Our search to find the best way forward for the Assheton Arms as a business, a sustainable part of Downham Estate and a valued village and wider community hub has resulted in the lease being awarded to Bowland Inns and Hotels.

“We couldn’t be more delighted and are confident that, with this local company’s excellent reputation and track record, the Assheton Arms will become, once again, a bit of a draw and one of the Ribble Valley’s major tourism assets.”  

Bookings are now being from February 2023 onwards. To enquire or make a booking, please email: reservations@jamesplaces.co.uk or call 01200 407 150.