A CITY centre pub, that closed earlier this year, is set to get a new lease of life after a neighbouring venue has taken over.

Mark Farragher, who runs The Victoria, will now also operate The Commercial Hotel, situated next door.

Rory Lea, chairman of Chester City Club Proprietors Ltd, which owns the freehold of the Commercial Hotel, said: “We are pleased that the City Club’s neighbours at The Victoria have taken the lease of the Commercial and are confident that Mark Farragher will revive this historic pub.”

Mr Farragher, who is widely credited with turning around the fortunes of The Victoria since taking over the business in 2002, said: "We at The Victoria are over the moon about taking over The Commercial Hotel. We have always had a good relationship with Chester City Club. Having use of the beautiful courtyard means we can utilise it to its full potential while keeping in with tradition and make it the social centre in the heart of Chester."

Keith Stringer, director at Christie & Co, who facilitated the lease, said: “Unsurprisingly, we received a significant number of enquiries for this leasehold opportunity and we are delighted to bring in an experienced local operator to revitalise The Commercial, no doubt for years to come. Businesses located in such an ideal, central location in a bustling city like Chester are always prime opportunities when brought to the market and particularly hotels and hospitality venues continue to enjoy strong levels of trade.”

The Commercial Hotel was tenanted on a new leasehold basis through Christie & Co, off an asking price of £15,000.