HAMPSHIRE-based Upham Pub Group has purchased the historic Peat Spade pub near Stockbridge as part of its plans to open up to 30 pubs by the end of 2015.

Upham Pub Group chief executive Chris Phillips said: “I would often drop into The Peat Spade for a drink and would think about the potential it has so I am particularly proud that it is now part of The Upham Group.

“We will work hard to keep building its profile and making considered improvements which are sympathetic to its history and local wishes.”

The pub will be run by Ben Maybury, who has been running the site for seven months, and the kitchen will be run by new head chef Nathan Gebert.