The Bespoke Hotels Group has taken over the operation of six former Merchant Inns hotels.

A collection of historic three- and four-star properties they include The Talbot Inn, Ripley, Surrey; The Carnarvon Arms near Newbury, Berkshire; The Lambert Arms in Aston Rowant and The Black Boy Inn in Banbury, both Oxfordshire; The Horse & Groom Inn, Malmesbury, Wiltshire; and The Saracens Head in Great Dunmow, Essex. Bespoke - which currently operates and manages 24 properties throughout the UK - was appointed manager of the six hotels when Merchant Inns went into administration towards the end of last year.