St Austell Brewery acquires The Blue Ball Inn

St Austell Brewery, one of the South West’s leading independent breweries, has acquired the Blue Ball Inn near Lynmouth.

The acquisition is the latest for St Austell Brewery which has also completed on two other sites in recent months - the Wellington in Boscastle, Cornwall and the Beaver Inn in Appledore, Devon. The company now owns 178 pubs, inns, and hotels across the West Country including 40 managed sites, and a portfolio of tenanted and leased properties.

Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery said: “We are pleased to announce that the Blue Ball Inn in Lynmouth has joined our managed pub estate. This latest acquisition continues to drive forward our plan to strengthen and grow our pub estate in Cornwall, and across the wider South West, in the years to come.

“Like so many industries, hospitality is facing significant headwinds at the moment. Rising inflationary pressures - including the unprecedented cost of energy - are causing real challenges for us. As we continue to navigate these obstacles, it’s vital that the government continue to listen and invest in the recovery of our sector. That being said we are a business with a clear vision for the future and, while we may face short-term challenges, our long-term strategy has not changed. Our priority remains investing in our people and our properties. We’re committed to creating year-round employment opportunities in rural areas like Lynmouth and protecting Great British pubs, which are really important assets to communities across our operating region.”

The Blue Ball Inn is a traditional coaching inn dating back to the 13th century. Located 900 feet above sea level in the hamlet of Countisbury, it’s a dog-friendly destination with great views, a pub, and overnight accommodation. With some of Britain’s finest landscapes and choice of seven circular walks through stunning countryside on the doorstop of the inn, it’s a perfect base for explorers.