St Austell Brewery has bought its first pub in Somerset, extending its estate for the first time beyond its traditional heartland of Cornwall and Devon as the Brewery continues to develop its business across the region.

Founded in 1851, St Austell Brewery is one of only 30 independently family owned Brewers in the UK. The Racehorse Inn, at East Reach, Taunton, has brought the number of pubs, inns and hotels run by the Brewery across the South West to 169.

Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery Estate Director, said: "As the South West's largest wholesale distributor of beer, wines and spirits, we already work closely with pubs, clubs and hotels across Somerset, it was natural for us to look at expanding our estate into the county."

New tenants at the pub, Alan Smith and Mary Mallon, bring with them a wealth of experience, having between them worked for almost 50 years in the industry.

Mary Mallon said: "We are delighted to be taking on the Racehorse Inn. We want the pub to continue attracting local customers and at the same time we look forward to welcoming new customers and visitors as we build on its reputation as a pub at the heart of the community.

"Once we've settled in we will be looking to develop what the Inn has to offer including starting to serve food and hosting evening entertainment."

The Racehorse Inn is a traditional pub with two bars which will serve St Austell Brewery's award winning range of ales including Tribute, Tinners and HSD. To the rear of the pub there's a separate lounge area and outside, a large beer garden with patio heating for the cooler months.

One of the first people to welcome Alan and Mary to their new pub was Roger Ryman, Head Brewer at St Austell Brewery. He said: "Alan and Mary have extensive knowledge of the industry and we're confident that they will make a success of the Brewery's first pub in Somerset. As well as serving great ales, the Inn will offer customers a high standard of service, all the hallmarks of a St Austell Brewery pub."