YORKSHIRE pub chain Market Town Taverns has been bought by the Isle of Man’s biggest hospitality operator.

Market Town Taverns, based in Knaresborough, owns a chain of specialist ale and wine bars, including Brigantes in York, The Mitre in Knaresborough, Muse in Wetherby, Old Bell Tavern and Swan on the Stray in Harrogate and the Tithe Barn in Northallerton, among others in West Yorkshire.

The new owners, Heron and Brearley, have said there will be “no fundamental change” at Market Town Taverns with managing director Ian Fozard, who founded the business in 1999, having agreed to remain in post for at least 12 months.

Heron and Brearley operates a managed estate of 48 pubs, mainly in the Isle of Man, but Steven Taylor, group retail director said the acquisition enabled it to strengthen its foothold in the UK, where it hopes to expand.

It also owns brewery Okells, the Isle of Man’s largest drinks wholesaler, an estate of Spar convenience stores and transport and logistic service, Trade Distribution.

He said: “Given the level of consolidation industry-wide, in the current economic climate an acquisition package of this calibre is rare. Market Town Taverns is a well-run operation and its business model, with a strong focus on delivering excellent customer service complements our own philosophy.”

Ian Fozard thanked the 30 shareholders who helped him found the company. He said: “I am pleased that Market Town Taverns is in good hands with new owners who share our operating philosophy.”