EVERTONS of Ombersley Ltd has broadened its business interests with the acquisition of the renowned Brown's Restaurant, in Worcester.

Evertons is most well-known for its wine wholesaling business and its delicatessen, in Ombersley, near Worcester, which was started by managing director Richard Everton's grandmother, in 1918.

But the family-owned and operated company has begun, in recent years, to branch out into the on-trade, starting four years ago with the purchase of the Crown & Sandys Arms Hotel, in Ombersley, which it renovated extensively.

The acquisition of Brown's has been made by Evertons through its subsidiary, Midland Wine Importers (Worcester) Ltd.

Mr Everton said the acquisition was part of the company's strategy to obtain premises "at the quality end of the market".

"Having been involved in the food and drink industry for 85 years, and following on from our success with the development of the Crown & Sandys Arms Hotel, now into its fifth year with us, Evertons of Ombersley are looking to expand their interests in the on-trade with a number of strategic acquisitions at the quality end of the market," said Mr Everton, aged 38, who is the third generation of the family to run the firm.

His father, Don Everton, stared working at the family shop in the 1940s, and began importing cheese from France, and then wine.

Mr Everton said the opportunity to purchase Brown's had come solely through former owners Bob and Pam Tansley's wish to retire.

Brown's was established by Mr and Mrs Tansley in the Old Cornmill, on South Quay, in 1979, and quickly established a reputation for excellent food in an elegant setting on the banks of the River Severn.

Mr Everton said he had no intention of breaking up the "winning team" that ran the restaurant, and all six full-time, and 12 part time, employees at Brown's are being retained.

The Everton family has also taken over the Mason's Arms, in Wichenford, near Worcester, on a leased arrangement, and is in negotiations to buy another Worcestershire pub, but would not reveal which one.

Refurbishment of the Mason's Arms is due to start at the end of this month, for a January 2004 reopening.

Mr Everton said the company's current expansion plans would create about 20 full time jobs and up to 50 part-time jobs, with vacancies at all levels from kitchen porters to head chefs and restaurant managers.

The deal to buy Brown's was led by a team from Morton Fisher Solicitors, including Mike Noble, commercial property partner, Patricia Mackenzie, head of corporate law, and Anna Colley. Partner Norman Robertson Smith dealt with licensing matters.