A BARMAID has bought a historic 18th century pub in a village near Weston-super-Mare.

Emma Lomas pulled her first pint in The Crown Inn in Churchill, aged 18 as a barmaid.

Twelve years on and she’s bought the real-ale, historic hostelry from Karen Clements.

Karen Clements (left) with Emma LomasKaren Clements (left) with Emma Lomas (Image: Contributed)

The traditional pub, named one of the Top Ten in the UK, is lit by candles, warmed by log fires and famed for substantial lunches, attracting visitors from Australia, New Zealand and New York.

It recently featured in Channel 4’s ‘True Love’ series starring Sue Johnston, Lindsay Duncan, and Clarke Peters.

Emma, 31, who breeds prize-winning horses in Sandford, said: “I used to ride past the pub at 17 and told mum I’d work there.

“The Crown’s very special, with loyal customers who feared it might change once Karen left. Everyone feels like family. I’ve a brilliant team, including my mum, Helen.

“It’s daunting taking on a place so treasured, but it doesn’t feel like work because I love it, and nothing will change.”

Karen, 61, took on The Crown in 2013 with husband Brian, who successfully battled cancer but sadly died of pneumonia in 2020.

She said: “It was lockdown, and I was in shock. Brian had put so much into the pub I couldn’t leave.

“Eighteen months later customers flocked back but it’s now time for me to stop.

“You don’t own The Crown, you are its custodian. I didn’t want a big brewery to take over.

“Emma’s perfect, she loves the place, as I do. So much of the world changes but not in The Crown.”

“I’m going to spend time with my two daughters and grandchildren. I’ve booked to go to Paris in the spring and am about to buy a fox-red labrador puppy.”

Customer Mike Winter, 79, said: “I’ve been coming here for nearly 40 years. It’s the atmosphere, the great ales and wonderful lunches.

“I’m delighted Emma’s taking over. She knows everyone and will keep this unique pub the same.”