THE historic Blackbird Inn on the A38 just outside Wellington has been sold.

New owners, husband and wife team Peter Welling and Yvonne Mulvihill, are planning improvements to the pub in the next few months.

They bought the inn, for sale at a guide price of £350,000 with Christie & Co, from Keirsten Anderson, who had owned and operated it since 2007.

The couple also own the County Hotel in Haverfordwest in West Wales, which they bought in 2016.

Peter and Yvonne said: “We are very excited about this new venture and believe we can create a very successful business at the Blackbird Inn, as we have done at the County Hotel.”

The pub is a two-storey property which dates back to 1773 and is full of character with open fireplaces and exposed ceiling beams.

The Blackbird’s freestanding inn sign, designed by famous local artist Rachel Reckitt in the 1930s, has been awarded a Grade II listed status by Historic England.

The pub has had a number of extensions over the years and has two main trading areas – a restaurant and adjoining bar, together with seating for more than 100 people.

It also has six en-suite letting bedrooms and a large beer garden with views over a paddock and neighbouring fields. The owner’s accommodation is a spacious two-bedroom apartment on the first floor.

Peter and Yvonne plan to enhance and increase the number of en- suite rooms, and improve the bar and dining areas. The exterior will be redecorated and plans are in place for the paddock and parking areas.

They plan to serve high quality, locally sourced food in the restaurant and make good use of the large dining gardens. The bar and restaurant will be open all day from 11am until late.