Chef takes over pub where he was tenant

The Birch Tree Inn, in Glasshouses, North Yorkshire, has been bought by a local chef and publican. Landlord Kenneth Attewell has acquired the 19th-century property from Punch Taverns in a deal part-funded by NatWest bank in Harrogate.

Mr Attewell, who was originally a tenant at the pub, said: "I'm delighted to be taking ownership of what is a great Yorkshire pub. We've performed really well at a time when the economic situation is far from ideal and the pub trade has seen a downturn in general. We have a fantastic rural location."

Steve Ellis, from NatWest, said: "I am delighted to have been able to support Ken, he has a great track record in his sector and brings a great deal of experience to this venture. Being based in Harrogate and living in Nidderdale I'm keen to support local businesses. The licensed trade is a very challenging sector and local knowledge has been a huge factor in enabling the bank to support this venture.

"Ken has made a great start and I'm sure The Birch Tree will be very successful under his ownership"