The new owner of The Golden Lion freehouse in Ripon is the Billingham-based expanding tenanted public house operator, New Century Inns. The pub came on to the market after David and Sue Haigh retired from the licensed trade

The sale price remains undisclosed but commercial property agents Christie & Co sought offers in the region of £300,000 for the freehold.

Considerable interest was aroused in the sale of The Golden Lion, a historic inn with 18th Century origins situated in one of the oldest parts of the ancient city, just off the Market Square and close to Ripon Minster.

It incorporates an open plan bar for 60 customers together with a dining room for 12 covers and a substantial conservatory/function room and restaurant at the rear of the property, licensed for 100 people.

In addition, there are two letting bedrooms and the three-bedroom owner's accommodation.

Ian Perrett, the New Century Inns Property Director, said: "We are delighted by our acquisition of The Golden Lion which adds another quality tenanted pub to our 20-pub estate."