Somerset beer and gin lovers will soon have a new watering hole in the county town after plans were approved.

Robin Pendleton has been granted permission by Somerset West and Taunton Council to open a craft beer and gin lounge at 1 Riverside Place within Taunton’s ‘independent quarter’.

The unit, which is currently occupied by the haberdashery And Sew To Knit, lies a short distance from both the Coal Orchard regeneration site and Somerset County Cricket Club.

The new lounge will be named Ninkasi, after the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of beer and brewing, and could open within a matter of months.

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The owners of And Sew To Knit are retiring and are currently holding a closing down sale.

Mr Pendleton, who lives on Wilton Street in Taunton, said the alcoholic beverages served within the lounge would showcase a mixture of local and international breweries, providing a great choice for both residents and visitors.

He said: “We will specialize in selling both on- and off-sales of craft beer sourced from both local breweries and microbreweries, as well as from breweries nationwide and internationally.

“Our gin selection will be sourced direct from a range of distilleries where possible and will not be found in any other drinking establishments in the town.

“We will also sell soft drinks and a small selection of wines.

“We intend 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 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.”

Ninkasi is expected to be open between noon and 11pm on weekdays, between noon and midnight on Saturdays and between noon and 7pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

Mr Pendleton has not confirmed how many new jobs will be created on the site.