THE only pub in a village near Worcester has been sold for £290,000 after being on the market for just three weeks.

A bidding war broke out as The Pineapple Pub Company raced to buy the Rose & Crown Inn in Severn Stoke, near Kempsey.

The black and white cottage-style building - sold by Sidney Phillips - has character-filled bars, living accommodation, a large beer garden with children's play area and a heated swimming pool.

The sale represents the successful partnership between the Pineapple Pub Company and Sidney Phillips Estate Agents.

In 1998, the partnership bought The French House at Upton Snodsbury, now run by Liverpudlian landlord Myles Ball.

His brother Andrew and partner Jackie have taken over the management of the latest acquisition.

They are not planning any major changes to the picturesque free house but will concentrate on expanding the food menu.

Sheena O'Rourke, of the Pineapple Pub Company, said they were delighted to have succeeded in their bid for the Rose & Crown.

"It brings the number of pubs in this recently formed company up to seven," she said.

"We were especially pleased with the speed at which the transaction was completed, allowing the Rose & Crown to be included in our Summer Pub Food Trail Promotion."

Her husband Colm "Mad" O'Rourke set up the Little Pub Company - owner of The Little Sauce Factory in London Road, Worcester, The Upton Muggery in Upton-on-Severn and Toad Hall in Droitwich.

Ushers of Trowbridge bought the pubs in 1998.

"When it was sold we formed the Pineapple Pub Company and now have four pubs in Worcestershire and three in Warwickshire," he said.

"Buying the Rose & Crown is part of our effort to expand in the area."

"We have submitted a planning application to extend the pub but aim to preserve its character."

The Pineapple Pub Company's other Worcestershire watering holes are The French House in Upton Snodsbury, The Honey Bee in Doverdale, near Ombersley, and the French Hen in Clent.