Four County Inns purchase closed Trowbridge pub

A 200-year old Trowbridge pub which has been closed for over a year is to re-open as a real ale house specialising in micro-brewers' beers.

The Stallards Inn, which is Grade II listed and dates back to 1790, was bought by Four County Inns through London-based property company Paramount Investments off an asking price of £170,000.

The pub company was established in 1994 and has 10 pubs in Somerset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

Four County Inns director Edward Toomer said: "The Stallards Inn is a traditional building which retains all of its original features. We think it's the ideal place for a quality real ale pub."

The pub closed down in late 2007. It will reopen in spring 2009.

Paramount Investments managing director Mark Greig said: "Pub prices in Trowbridge have been plummeting recently and have now reached a rock-bottom level at which they are attracting people who can see the value they offer, such as Four County Inns, who specialise in restoring pubs to their former glory."