Locals buy pub in wealthy Somerset village

The Carew Arms in the wealthy Somerset commuter village of Crowcombe has been bought by locals Iain and Emma Kirkpatrick in an off-market deal.

Stonesmith of Exeter was seeking offers in the region of £300,000 for the leasehold on behalf of Reg Ambrose.

The pub is close to the Quantock Hills, 10 miles from the county town of Taunton and 11 miles from the seaside resort of Minehead.

Originally called the Three Lions, the pub dates back to the 17th century and takes its name from the Carew family who were lords of the manor during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The detached property provides six en-suite bedrooms, an extensive trading area with 80 seats spread out across two bars and a restaurant, and a self-contained, two-bedroom owners' apartment.

Outside is a large trade patio and gardens with a boules piste.

After refurbishing the pub, the Kirkpatricks are completing a new private dining and function room and plan to revamp the skittle alley.

The day-to-day operation is handled by the Kirkpatrick's partners, Simon Connor-Muir and head chef Helen Holden, who have racked up experience running West Country gastropubs.

By Angela Frewin