The Red Lion in the village of Axford, near Marlborough, has been sold through the Bristol office of leading licensed property agents, Christie + Co, to Nigel Molyneux, an experienced publican who is relocating from Hampshire.

Recognised for its fine cuisine, The Red Lion specialises in fish, game and local produce and won the Number 1 Public House in Wiltshire' award from Wiltshire Life Magazine in both 2006 and 2008. Some 70% of the turnover is derived from food sales.

Christie + Co marketed the Red Lion on behalf of proprietor Seamus Lecky, a former hotelier, who is moving on after seven successful years at the Red Lion, having transformed the business into a thriving food-led freehouse attracting a loyal repeat clientele from near and far, as well as visitors touring the Kennet Valley area.

The village of Axford is located on the River Kennet, just off the A4 between the market towns of Marlborough and Ramsbury. The Red Lion is a brick and- flint pub dating from the 17th Century with exposed beams, open fireplaces, ancient settles and a pleasant garden.

The detached property briefly comprises a 20-cover front restaurant, a 30-cover rear restaurant, lounge bar, extensive owner's accommodation with four double bedrooms, a lawned rear garden, sun terrace and car park.

The new owner, Nigel Molyneux, and his family previously owned and operated pubs in the Berkshire and Hampshire areas.