A VILLAGE pub is brewing success after it was awarded rural rate relief of more than £5,000 by Test Valley Borough Council.

The Crown Inn, Upton, has been awarded a 100 per cent discretionary rural rate relief for the 2019/20 financial year of £5,282.

The council can choose to award the relief to businesses that meet a number of criteria and where it can be shown that it is a valuable asset within the local community.

The Crown’s owner, David Watts, took over the pub in July and is already seeing the benefits of his new venture.

He said: “The community here in Upton is amazing and I’ve really enjoyed my time here since the summer. Everyone has been so welcoming and I have a nice mix of regulars and new visitors who are coming to check the pub out.

“To have such support from the borough council for the next year is incredible, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I really value our customers and hopefully I can carry on pulling pints for many more years yet!”

Council leader, Councillor Phil North, said: “We’re really keen to support any business we can and David has done a really good job in the short time he has been at the helm of The Crown. It’s a well-loved pub with plenty of character so it’s great to know that we can help it continue to succeed.

“Businesses in rural areas face many challenges but here is a real example of one at the hub of its community. We have to work hard to protect them and enjoy them when we can.”