BROTHERS Rob and Edward Fawcett have bought The White Horse Inn in Ampleforth in a £300,000 deal funded by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

The pub, which has stood in the North Yorkshire village since 1783, will continue to be managed by tenants Tim and Karen Butler, who will also look after the restaurant and the pub’s two ensuite double rooms which offer bed and breakfast accommodation.

The Fawcetts, who run a series of pubs and restaurants through their directorships of Rolco 144 Ltd, have also secured an extra £100,000 from RBS to extend The White Swan, one of their other public houses only 300 yards away and also in the Howardian Hills on the edge of the North York Moors.

The extension will see the restaurant expanded to provide an extra 40 covers Last week, the White Swan received the title Freehouse Pub Of The Year in Yorkshire and the North East in the Morning Advertiser Awards. The Fawcett brothers also own the Fairfax Arms in Gilling East and have interests in bars and restaurants in Leeds.

Rob Fawcett said: “When the opportunity arose to purchase The White Horse in Ampleforth we jumped at the chance. It was too good to miss. “Since we acquired The White Swan and Fairfax Arms, both have performed strongly and we are looking to recreate this success with The White Horse. We feel this investment will bring strong benefits to the company over a number of years.”

He said they were grateful to Julian Nutchey, the RBS relationship manager and his team for their support.

Mr Nutchey said: “Rob and Edward have impressed us with their knowledge of the local market. They have been very successful with their other two public houses and I’m confident they will do the same at The White Horse.”