Eminent Newmarket restaurant seeking buyer

A buyer is being sought for one of the most celebrated pub restaurants in Newmarket after the long-term landlady decided to call it a day.

The Star at Lidgate has attracted a clientele that has included Prince Harry, Lord Lloyd Webber and many famous faces in the horseracing industry, but Maria Teresa "Tere" Axon is calling time on her tenure at the establishment.

Mrs Axon's husband, Tony, said their first priority was to make sure the restaurant was sold on to responsible management.

"Tere makes it clear that the first concern is to find a buyer for the business who will be able to retain, maintain and develop The Star's reputation for informal, relaxed, quality drinking and dining," he said.

Anyone who buys the pub will also buy the enviable reputation built for it by Mrs Axon, a Barcelona native, who has established it as a local specialist in authentic Spanish cuisine. As a result of her efforts the restaurant won two national newspaper awards in 2005 and 2007, as well as an Eating and Drinking Award in 2008.

Tere and Tony are returning to Spain, where they intend to continue using their hospitality expertise in restaurant ventures there through the family business.