One of South East Cornwall's leading hoteliers and chefs has announced that he has sold his business in Looe – but says he and his family have no plans to leave the area. Nick Barclay and his wife Kelli have established an enviable reputation for the standard of accommodation and dining at Barclay House in Looe since they took over six years ago. But this week they announced that they are to leave on December 21, having sold the ten-bedroom hotel, restaurant and eight holiday cottages to Brooks Hotel and Leisure Ltd. Mr Barclay, who has helped put the area firmly onto the gastronomic map through his involvement in Taste South East Cornwall and events such as Looe's Festival by the Sea, told the Cornish Times it was 'strange' to be giving up the business but that he was looking forward to fresh challenges. He said that the business was a partnership and added: 'Our partners approached us earlier this year expressing a desire to re-coup their investment. We looked at numerous options, but basically there were two – buy them out, or sell up and pay everyone back. 'We thought long and hard and decided that, at this point in our lives, a sale was a better option for us rather than incur huge long-term debt. We came in as partners, we go out as partners.' He said the time at Barclay House had been a 'wonderful journey' which had been highlighted by amazing achievements along the way, and the family had no regrets whatsoever, only great memories. 'Looe has been good for us and we are not going to be leaving in a hurry,' he said. 'Our children are at school here and we are very happy in the area. We are very grateful to the people of Looe and the area for all their support during our time here.' The Barclays plan to remain at the hotel until just before Christmas to help the new owners, another family concern, settle in.