A PROMINENT Cotswolds roadside inn in the heart of Laurie Lee country has been placed on the market.

Believed to have been named after a former turnpike keeper, Grade II listed Foston’s Ash Inn is located on the B4070 Calf Way, midway between Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester and Stroud.

Peter Brunt, a director in Colliers International’s Hotels Agency team, said the Cotswold stone inn is ideally situated, and attractive both inside and out.

“Although it occupies a superb country location Foston’s Ash is located at the centre of a good road network – Calf Way is thought to be a Roman route – and attracts custom from a very large surrounding population,” he said.

“This is genuine Laurie Lee country – Slad is just down the road while the hamlet of The Camp is about a mile away. It’s not clear whether Camp refers to the remains of Neolithic burial chambers or whether it was a Civil War military encampment.”

Foston’s Ash is on the market at £450,000 for the freehold, and includes a light and airy bar/restaurant with around 50 covers, a two-bedroom owners’ flat, and a further one-bedroom flat presently bringing in a rental income of £550 per month. There is planning consent to extend the premises if required.

Peter Brunt added that the business is currently very popular with walkers exploring the Cotswold commons and Beechwoods National Nature Reserve, and is also used by many customers from the Brockworth area.

“It would be an ideal property for private operators looking for a proper hands-on business,” he said. “While the present management shows modest profits hands-on operation would reduce overheads considerably.”

A spokesperson for the Cotswold Food Club who also operate The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common, The Fleece at Rooksmoor and The Britannia Inn in Nailsworth confirmed that the property was being sold so that the company can concentrate on their other businesses.