PUB company Punch Taverns is in discussions with a potential buyer for a Barnton pub, the Guardian can reveal.

An offer has been made to the Staffordshire—based company for The Beech Tree in Runcorn Road.

Rumours have been circulating around the village about the sale of the pub, which is the subject of a planning application for a number of signs.

The Guardian contacted Punch Taverns over the rumours, and a spokeswoman for the company said: “The Beech Tree is currently open and trading. Punch Taverns has received an offer and is currently in discussions with a potential purchaser.”

She said the company was keeping the tenant at The Beech Tree up to date with developments.

“At this stage, we are exploring all options, and therefore continuing to market the leasehold opportunity,” she added.

Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s largest leased pub companies, with more than 4,000 pubs nationwide.

It is seeking planning approval for illuminated and non-illuminated signs at The Beech Tree, including eight floodlights.

The pub features on the Punch Taverns website as being available on a tenancy or lease basis.

The webpage states the pub would be ideal for an individual or couple, and community pubs formed the backbone of Punch Taverns’ estate.

The marketing information describes The Beech Tree as “a large, prominent pub,” and the pub would be “ideal for an individual or couple who are able to provide a consistent and value-based dining offer in a large site”.

The company states on its website that the UK pub industry faces a number of challenges, including changes in consumer behaviour and the wider economic climate.

“Whilst there has been a contraction in the overall pub market over the last few years, with increased numbers of pub closures, the majority of these closures have been drinks-led establishments operating without a food offer,” it said.

“At Punch, we are committed to a strategic focus on pubs with the potential to anticipate and meet local demand. We are investing in upgrading pubs to provide a higher quality experience with an extended, targeted food offer.”