A CRAFT beer and gin lounge could soon open beside the River Tone in Taunton.

The business would be run in Riverside Place, in premises currently occupied by And Sew To Knit, whose owners plan to cease trading from the unit.

The lounge, to be known as Ninkasi, would specialise in selling on and off sales of craft beer sourced from local breweries and microbreweries, as well as nationwide and international beers.

The gins will be sourced from a range of distilleries and the owners say they will "not be found in any other drinking establishments in the town".

Soft drinks and a selection of wine will also be sold.

The owners, who are applying to Somerset West and Taunton Council for a change of use permission for the shop premises, said: "Our intention is to provide a comfortable space for customers to enjoy craft beer and gin, try something new and learn about the products we will be selling from our knowledgeable staff.

"We believe that the area known as The Independent Quarter is a great fit with what we intend to do, as we are also independent and will compliment other businesses within the quarter such as The Little Wine Shop and Ma Cuisine Bar and Bistro.

"We believe that our establishment will attract mature professionals who are looking to drink premium beers and gins in a comfortable environment maybe before or after enjoying a meal in one of the local restaurants.

"We have approached other businesses in the area and they are happy with our proposals and the feeling is that we would be a good fit and nobody wishes to see another empty unit."