A national pub chain has confirmed the purchase of a popular Cotswold tearoom.

De La Hayes in Bourton will undergo a refurbishment after being bought by Fullers.

The Grade II Listed property overlooks the River Windrush, sitting adjacent to the Motor Museum and High Street.

The tearoom has been closed since the start of the pandemic in 2020 and hit the market earlier this year for £2.8 million, marketed by Savills.

Now, it will undergo a “high-quality refurbishment to create an all-encompassing pub” with work set to get underway in December.

Adam Bullas, director in licensed leisure team at Savills, said: “The De La Hayes property commands arguably the best position in the village.

“As a consequence of this, interest was particularly strong in the site and I am confident that with Fullers’ high-end fit-out and offering this will be a resounding success once the venue re-opens next summer.”

Kevin Marsh, head of licensed leisure at Savills, added: “We are pleased to complete the sale of this beautiful pub in a sought-after tourist honeypot location.

“The property has an enormous amount of character and history which will add the exceptional experience that Fullers is well-known for.

“We continue to see strong demand for pubs in tourist heavy locations.”

Planning permission has been granted for a number of changes to De La Hayes, including the creation of a new cellar area, erection of a bin store and alterations to the roof and signage. 

These were approved despite objections from 12 members of the public who raised concerns around noise, pollution and the impact on neighbours and other businesses. 

Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council initially objected to the plans, but said they appreciated the amendments made to remove a pergola from the plan, remove the tables from outside on the pavement and reduce the external covers from 218 to 186.

Cotswold District Council planning officer Andrew Moody noted that a Noise Abatement Order had been issued by the council against the previous owners, but that the 'chimneys' to the kitchen, which caused the noise, have been removed.

He also stated: "Matters relating to commercial competition and the number of pubs/eating establishments in Bourton are not a material planning consideration."

Fuller's are hoping to open early next year.