A village gastro pub near Witney is now on the market for £600,000.

The Hand & Shears is a traditional Cotswold country pub situated in the picturesque village of Church Hanborough.

The freehold for the pub - two miles from Blenheim Palace in Woodstock -  is now up for sale with property agent Rightmove.

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The pub, which dates back to the 1700s, was run by Patrick Moore and his partner Sally until August last year when they left due to rising costs, and it remains temporarily closed.

A listing from Rightmove says: "The ground floor layout features a single L-shape bar area with a central servery. The bar area is slightly elevated, accessible via steps from the adjacent dining area.

"The 70-cover split-level dining area features impressive exposed timber beams below high-pitched ceilings and a central wood burner.

(Image: Rightmove) "The trade kitchen has direct access from the dining area and adjoins a wash-up area, walk-in fridge and beer cellar on lower-ground floor. Customer toilets are accessed directly from the dining room."

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The first floor provides owner's living accommodation, comprising three bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom.

A premises licence allows alcohol sales until midnight Monday to Saturday and 11pm on Sundays.

The property is not listed, but it is situated within the Church Hanborough conservation area.

The Hand & Shears is a designated Asset of Community Value.

When the Moores left the pub last year they said grown men "wept at the bar" because they were so upset by the closure.

(Image: Rightmove) But rising utility bills left them little choice but to close, with a £14,000 electricity bill for one quarter.

The pub's traditional front bar and spacious conservatory restaurant were renovated in 2021 to embrace the historic pub's 1775 heritage.

Staff welcomed a five-star food hygiene rating following an assessment last summer.

Pub company Wells & Co is seeking new tenants to run the pub.

It said in an advert: "Operators with solid catering experience, a passion for great food and strong front-of-house skills will thrive in the Hand and Shears.

"Sufficient marketing know-how to spread the word about all the pub has to offer – in particular its superb restaurant/function room - will see this already popular site gain repeat visits from customers both local and based further afield."

(Image: Rightmove) Costs to tenants would include an investment of £25,000 plus a security deposit of £10,000.

The pub is in Church Road in the village close to Witney, Eynsham and Woodstock.

Before it closed, the pub had a 4.5 out of 5 rating on reviews site Tripadvisor.

One reviewer said last summer: "Excellent pub with cosy welcoming atmosphere and lovely bar staff.

"We were in a big group of 25, all ordering roasts, and it all came out in great time and was especially delicious.

"The staff went out of their way to welcome us and make us feel comfortable. Special shout out to Amy who kept the drinks coming with a packed out bar.

"All done with a smile across the face at all times. Would definitely come back."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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