Marco Pierre White, the high-profile chef, has acquired a third site that was previously part of the Merchant Inns portfolio.
The chef, who secured the Carnarvon Arms in Newbury and the Black Boy Inn in Banbury, Oxfordshire, from administrators Baker Tilly last November, has now acquired the Talbot Inn in Ripley, Surrey.
It is understood that the high-profiler chef is set to refurbish the £4m-turnover site.
In May, Pierre White secured a 10th site for his Wheelers of St James’ restaurant and pub brand, after acquiring the Frogmill Inn near Andoversford, with plans to re-open the site under the Wheelers of St James’ banner later this year.
He recently moved to rebadge his current nine-strong pub restaurant estate under the Wheeler’s of St James’s name.
Merchant Inns was placed into administration in October 2009. Bespoke Hotels, the group led by Robin Sheppard, signed a management contract for Merchant in August last year.
The other sites in the estate are The Lambert Arms, Oxfordshire; The Horse & Groom Inn, Wiltshire; and The Saracens Head, Essex.
