Previous Barmaid Becomes Owner of Historic Pub

Emma Lomas, 31, has acquired ownership of a historic pub where she previously worked as a barmaid, marking her return 12 years after she first began serving drinks there. Ms. Lomas, who first worked at The Crown Inn in Churchill, North Somerset, at the age of 18, has now taken over the 18th-century establishment from Karen Clements. As a teenager, Ms. Lomas informed her mother of her intention to work at the candlelit pub, which recently appeared in Channel 4’s ‘True Love’ series. Ms. Lomas commented on her new role, stating: “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 Clements had assumed proprietorship of The Crown Inn in 2013 alongside her husband, Brian, who passed away in 2020 due to pneumonia. The 61-year-old former owner indicated that it was “time for her to stop” and plans to dedicate her leisure time to her family and a trip to Paris. Ms. Lomas, who also operates a prize-winning horse breeding business in Sandford, shared: “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.”” However, Ms. Lomas reassured the public, stating that people can “rest assured, The Crown will be staying the same”. She further commented: “Everyone feels like family. I’ve a brilliant team, including my mum, Helen.” Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.