Pictured above: David Lucas and Graham Green , both from Fraser Brown with Gareth Bartsch of Bartsch Inns

Nottingham-based Fraser Brown Solicitors has toasted another success after helping local entrepreneur Gareth Bartsch to secure the lease of a particularly sought-after pub.

The Manners Arms in Knipton is well known in the region for being owned by the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, who until recently also managed the premises. Now Gareth has taken over and following a refurbishment, reopened the picturesque country inn at the end of June. 

A family-run enterprise with parents Karl and Sharon, Bartsch Inns owns a further three public houses in and around Nottingham including the award-winning Horse and Plough in Bingham. As a key member of the management team, Gareth knows what goes into creating and running a successful pub.  

He said, "I know the Vale of Belvoir area well and always liked the Manners Arms. It's a really lovely place and thought for a long time that it would be a wonderful place to run. We heard about the opportunity from one of our customers and immediately jumped at the chance - within a week we'd viewed it, made an offer and had it accepted. 

"Now I'm looking forward to building on the success and reputation that it already enjoys with good food and drinks served in beautiful surroundings."

Graham Green, Senior Partner at Fraser Brown Solicitors advised on the lease agreement and David Lucas worked on the licensing. The legal firm has worked with Bartsch Inns for several years and handles all the company's licensing work, as well as the last two purchases. 

Graham added, "It is always good to see a business with which you have a longstanding relationship do well and Bartsch Inns is going from strength to strength. It shows that there are opportunities out there for people with ambition and the right vision."

The Manners Arms serves seasonal, local produce seven days a week in its bar and restaurant and provides bed and breakfast accommodation in ten rooms. It will not be run under the Bartsch Inns brand.