Rutland entrepreneur Ryck Turner, owner of The George Inn, in Oakham, ends rumours he has bought The Lord Nelson pub

The businessman behind the multi-million pound renovation of a town hotel has quashed rumours he has bought a nearby pub.

Ryck Turner, who owns the George Inn, in Market Place, Oakham, has denied suggestions that he has taken on the neighbouring Lord Nelson pub which closed last week.

Two years ago, the Rutland businessman spent £3 milllion on the former Whipper-In Hotel and three neighbouring buildings - Rutland Chinese Restaurant, Curtis bakery and the Cancer Research UK shop.

Ryck, from Whissendine, is investing a further £2 million on renovation and improvements, including a boutique cinema, spa and gym alongside new rooms, taking the total number of bedrooms to 18.

The Lord Nelson shut its doors last Thursday, but a post from staff on Facebook said there were ‘exciting times ahead’ and a change of ownership.