A PUB owner is set to breathe life into an empty 17th century coaching inn and hotel in Holmes Chapel.

The Old Vicarage Hotel, on Knutsford Road, has been let to an experienced operator in a deal brokered by specialist property adviser Christie + Co.

A new lease to the 29-bedroom hotel, which has been closed for some time, has been acquired by Peter Heywood, owner of gastropub The White Lion in Hankelow.

Martin Davis, director of Christie + Co in Manchester, handled the sale.

He said: “Although closed for some time, The Old Vicarage had previously traded as a 3 AA-Star hotel. With subsequent refurbishment by the freehold owner, the business proved very popular when presented to the market.

“We knew that it would attract interest from regional hotel, pub and restaurant operators, and it is therefore fitting that Peter Heywood should be the new tenant. With his background in operating the White Lion in Hankelow, he will undoubtedly make a success of this sleeping giant.”