A popular north Norfolk village watering hole is among four pub-restaurants that have been sold.
The Animal Inns group, which has been sold to entrepreneurs Jez King and David Cappendell for an undisclosed sum, includes the Hunny Bell at Hunworth.
It also includes The Wildebeest at Stoke Holy Cross, Mackintosh's Canteen in Norwich and The Mad Moose, Warwick Street, Norwich.
Animal Inns, which employs 85 people, was owned and managed by Henry Watt, who will be staying on with the business in a consultancy role to oversee the maintenance and development of the brand.
Mr Watt set up his first restaurant 20 years ago with Hector's House which, with The Aquarium, was sold in 2000. He went on to establish The Wildebeest and the other restaurants.
Mr King, who has been working with Mr Watt over the past two years as a consultant, said: 'As well as providing top quality food using local ingredients, they have all established a great brand reputation in the market place.'
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