YORK BREWERY bosses are celebrating after planners gave the green light to a new flagship pub in the city's historic Stonegate.

The company plans to invest £250,000 to transform a delicatessen into a trademark "no-nonsense" pub, with a shop selling merchandise and bottled beers.

The pub, which has not yet been given a name, is the fourth for the growing brewery, which has already built up a nationwide reputation with its award-winning beers.

Managing director Tony Thomson said the pub would be the "jewel in the crown" of his business, with a warm welcome for regulars and visitors alike.

He said: "We set up this brewery eight years ago, and to be opening a shop and pub in Stonegate really shows how far we have come in a comparatively short time.

"It's going to be the jewel in the crown of a successful York business.

"It's a lovely building, a real picture postcard place and somewhere that visitors to York must see."

Mr Thomson said he hoped to open the pub and shop doors by November, after builders have converted the three-storey listed building.

James Brennan, landlord of the Three-legged Mare, who will take over the enterprise, said: "I can't wait to get going. It will be a pub for people looking for good beer in lovely surroundings."

Planners helped brewery bosses move into Stonegate, which is mainly reserved for shop use, by suggesting they place a small store at the front of the premises.

Councillor Chris Hogg said: "It's great that a good quality York business has finally got a showcase building in Stonegate."

Updated: 09:11 Saturday, July 03, 2004