A NEW landlord is now being sought for he popular Mortimer Arms, at Ower, near Romsey, following its takeover by Enterprise Inns last week.

Enterprise has appointed the Winchester office of leading licensed property agents, Christie & Co, to offer for sale a brand-new lease on the country pub and hotel near the entrance to Paulton's Park.

Offers "in excess of £100,000" are being sought for a 25-year lease, with a starting rent of £95,000 a year.

Keith Goodwin, of Christie & Co, said Enterprise would be spending about £50,000 on improving the Mortimer, which is at present being run by a holding manager.

"Enterprise Inns," he explained, "has been actively acquiring quality pubs throughout the southern counties and is seeking high-calibre lessees to take over a number of established businesses. We are marketing six inns at present and more will come on to the market in the coming months.

Two others which have been taken overby Enterprise in the past two weeks are The Swan Inn, on the busy A36, at Stoford, north-west of Salisbury, and The Compasses, at Fordingbridge.

The Mortimer has 14 AA rated en suite bedrooms, a 46-cover restaurant and public bar, a 90-cover function room and skittle alley, a 32-cover enclosed courtyard, customer parking and trade gardens, in addition to a manager's flat.