St Austell Brewery has completed the purchase of the historic Griffin Inn, on Monmouth Street, Bath, joining the company’s 147-strong collection of tenanted pubs.

The purchase is St Austell’s first since acquiring Bath Ales in 2016, inheriting its brewery, portfolio of beer brands, and pub estate, including Bath favourites the Hop Pole and the Salamander.

The Griffin’s new tenant, Jack Werner, is already the operator of three successful West Country pubs: the Inn at Freshford, the Cross Guns at Avoncliff, and the Old Crown in Kelston.

Steve Worrall, estate director for St Austell Brewery, said: “Established in 1730, the Griffin Inn is an iconic venue in Bath’s city centre. We are very proud to add this unique and charming pub — with popular guest accommodation — to our tenanted pub estate.

“We look forward to working with Jack and his team to ensure the Griffin continues to play a vital part in Bath’s vibrant and distinctive pub scene.”

 

Pride and gratitude

 

Sam Grimston, previous owner of the Griffin Inn, said: “It’s been a privilege to be the custodian of a Bath icon for nearly four years. It is with a combination of pride in my staff, gratitude to my guests and sadness that I will no longer be working with them, that I am selling the fabulous Griffin Inn.

“I believe that the new owners, St Austell Brewery, and their new tenant, will be superb guardians. I wish them much luck and look forward to seeing the pub continue to flourish.”

The purchase of the Griffin Inn takes the total number of pubs owned by St Austell Brewery (including tenanted properties and managed houses) to 179.