Winchester's former Caf Rouge, in Eastgate Street, has been bought from Whitbread by Anita Hui, who previously owned the Charles House Restaurant, in Upper High Street - sold last year by her landlord for redevelopment.

Christie and Co, who had sought offers of over £50,000 for the leasehold, said that after extensive refurbishment, Caf Rouge would reopen in February, under the name, Charles House.

A spokesman said the sale had revealed a strong market for good restaurant sites in Winchester.