London chef has an appetite for Yorkshire fine dining restaurant

Vennell’s Restaurant, in Masham, North Yorkshire, has been sold to an experienced chef from London.

Jon Atashroo acquired the established business in a deal arranged by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.

Opened in 2005 by Jon and Laura Vennell, the restaurant has featured in the Michelin Guide, AA and Good Food Guide for 14 consecutive years.

The recently renovated restaurant is in a large, Grade II listed Georgian property just off Masham’s town square.

Atashroo will be relocating from London with his wife, Arlette, to run the business.

David Cash, director in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team, who handled the sale, said: “It is a pleasure to have acted for Jon and Laura in the sale of their business and family home.

“We always discussed that the most likely buyer would be a couple who could step in to Jon and Laura’s shoes and make the business their own.

“We are still seeing lots of demand for hospitality businesses, particularly where there the property is freehold.”