St Austell swoops for Three Crowns Hotel

Cornish brewer and operator St Austell has acquired the Three Crowns Hotel in Chagford, Devon.

The 13th Century Inn will be run by experienced licensees John Milan and Steve Bellman, who already run a number of St Austell tenancies in Cornwall including the Pandora Inn, Falmouth and Punchbowl and Ladle in Truro.

The duo plan to refurbish the 19 bedrooms, bar and restaurant area.

"The next few months will be a really exciting time and I look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike," said Milan.

"As with all St Austell Brewery houses, guests can expect a fine selection of award winning ales, a friendly service and traditionally cooked food."

Adam Luck, estate director at St Austell Brewery, said: "We are very proud of our reputation and the leading position the Brewery has within south west and investing in new pubs is an example of maintaining and growing this presence.

Aiming to put the Three Crowns on the South West's food map is new head chef, Beatus Esholtz who most recently spent 12 years as chef at St Andrews Golf Course in Scotland.

The purchase of the Three Crowns brings the St Austell estate of pubs and hotels to 174 across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.