A POPULAR village pub is to go under the hammer at auction.

A spokesman for its owner Ei Publican Partnership said the Half Moon Inn, in Stoke Road, Stoke St Mary, does not have a "long-term future" in its portfolio.

He said: "As part of our on-going business, we do from time to time identify a pub that may no longer have a long-term future in our estate.

"After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to sell the freehold of the Half Moon Inn."

The Half Moon is among 155 lots being sold by auctioneers Clive Emson in September.

The pub, on 1.13 acres of land, has a freehold guide price of between £275,000 and £295,000.

It has more than 100 internal covers, a bar, restaurant, extensive gardens and parking and three-bedroom accommodation for the owner or manager.

Graham Barton, Clive Emson’s West Country auctioneer, said: "We expect waxing interest, rather than waning interest from bidders in The Half Moon, a particularly handsome pub in my humble opinion, because there are a lot of bricks and mortar and land for the guide price."

Any interested parties should contact Michael Easton of JLL on 01392-429381.