A COUPLE whose credentials were honed in the retail industry have side-stepped into hospitality.

Anthony and Cheryle Katz.are the new owners of the Lansdowne Villa Guest House, in Bourton, and are upbeat and raring to go after moving the family from East Sussex to the Cotswolds.

The couple met while managing stores for footwear retailer Russell and Bromley, but they don't plan to put their feet up in their new venture.

“We are planning to upgrade the bedrooms and public facilities to create a contemporary guest house with a traditional twist and intend taking the hotel from 12 rooms to 14. Although we’re new to the hospitality sector, we have extensive backgrounds in a service-orientated retail sector, so we don’t see it as that much of a jump," said Mr Katz.

The couple had been looking for a suitable hotel property for some time but fell in love with the premier Cotswolds location which had been marketed by Peter Brunt, Hotels Director, Colliers International Bristol.

The couple also plan to re-brand it as The Lansdowne.