A WETHERSPOON pub in a four-storey building in Taunton has been sold to a South coast-based company, the County Gazette can reveal

The Coal Orchard premises in Bridge Street has been bought by Clarkan Trading Ltd, of College Street, Southampton.

The pub is closing on Sunday (October 2) and the sale is due to be completed on Tuesday, October 11.

Wetherspoon put the freehold of the premises up for sale last year on a price guide of £450,000.

It ran the pub on the first two floors, while the top two floors are leased to 24-hour gym Activate Fitness, which will continue to operate from the building.

We have approached Clarkan managing director Russell Clarke for a comment on his plans for the building.

He has experience as a director of a number of businesses, including letting and operating their own and leased real estate and in the pub and bar trade.

Mr Clarke is described on a company website as having 20 years' experience in the property investment and development industry

It adds: "His current business interests have been built on the foundation of a directly-owned and substantial portfolio of residential and commercial properties, which is now managed in-house by a small, professional team.

"Russell’s knowledge, experience, commercial acumen and contacts within the industry enable him to identify opportunities, source funding and put together the right vehicle and team to fully optimise a property's potential."