AWARD-winning hotel and restaurant Browns in Tavistock has been sold to J D Wetherspoon, writes Alison?Stephenson Owner of Browns for the last seven and a half years Helena King confirmed this week that contracts had been exchanged with the hotel and pub chain. The property went on the market as a going concern nine months ago with Christie and Co. 'It's good for the staff, good for the town and good for us,' said Helena. 'We have had several parties interested in purchasing Browns but we feel J D Wetherspoon offers the best for everyone, Browns and the building itself. 'It's been an absolutely fantastic seven and a half years but it's time for me to hand over and move on. 'It's an exciting time for the town and J D Wetherspoon will add to that, bringing more diversity to what the town already offers.' Helena said her greatest achievement was gaining a four star gold award with Visit Britain four years in a row and being at the forefront of Tavistock's rise to recognition as a 'foodie' town. The hotel also gained an excellence award with Trip Advisor. 'We invested £1-million into Browns and achieved what we wanted to achieve,' she said. 'We raised its profile in the media and many weddings took place here.' Phil Biggin, chief executive of the holding company of the hotel, was also the first chairman of Tavistock BID (Business Improvement District). J D Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: 'We can confirm that Wetherspoon has exchanged on the purchase of Browns in Tavistock and expect to complete the deal in approximately three weeks. 'The company will still require planning and licensing permission, so at this stage there is no one on site or any opening date. 'The fact that we are close to completion is good news and takes the project forward.' 'We will be retaining the hotel side of the pub, but will be redeveloping it. It will have 18 rooms. 'We need planning as we want to develop the site, but it is a Grade II listed building.' He said the development cost was £2-million.