Esteemed Publican Takes On Two Pubs

Roger Payne, who has been running The Griffin pub in Bath for the past two years and is passionate about delivering top-class food and drink offering, has taken up the helm at two more popular St Austell Brewery owned pubs in Lynton and Lynmouth; famed for the world’s oldest and steepest water-powered cliff railway.

Roger has been working with St Austell Brewery to expand his excellent hospitality offering into Devon, taking on the historic Blue Ball Inn on the edge of Lynmouth with views across the bay and stunning scenery of Exmoor, and he’ll shortly be taking on The Crown in Lynton too.

Successful businessman Roger owns and runs several restaurants and pubs in Bath and London, including St Austell Brewery’s The Griffin Inn – a Grade II-listed pub with rooms on Monmouth Street in Bath city centre. Roger said:

“It’s exciting to be taking on two pubs in Lynton and Lynmouth; it’s a stunning area and well loved by locals and tourists alike, with unrivalled walks and views across the moors and seaside."

“Both pubs will offer something different, with the Blue Ball’s brilliant positioning making it perfect for events. We hope to be able to extend and grow the pub and its room offering with pods in the garden and staff housing too."

“We have lots of ideas for what we’d like to do with both pubs, with the overall vision being decided on in the coming weeks. Like what we did with The Griffin, we’ll be bringing in a lighter, brighter feel and adding a few contemporary features whilst retaining the historic charm in both pubs for which they’re loved."

“People still like to go to the pub for a treat, be that for an occasion or a mid-week dinner, and we’re looking to offer good quality and value for money for people joining us."

“The Griffin’s success is down to people feeling comfortable; it’s friendly. There’s a warm welcome, the right food in the right price bracket, and quality of product. It’s all about customer service and wanting to be part of the community – exactly what we’re going to bring to the Blue Ball and The Crown.”

The 13th century Blue Ball Inn is complete with low ceilings and stone fireplaces as well as ample outdoor seating for sunnier days, with views stretching across the verdant Lynmouth moorland.

It currently has 11 rooms, but Roger hopes to extend the pub and offer more accommodation, both for visitors and staff.

The team will be redecorating the trading area and rooms at the Blue Ball Inn between now and Easter, as well as bringing in a new menu in the coming weeks.

The Crown will undergo a full planned refurbishment from early 2026. In the interim, the main bar and restaurant area will be updated, as will the rooms. Roger also has plans to increase the outdoor seating areas for people to enjoy the surrounding views.

Staff members at both pubs will continue in their employment, and the pubs will remain open throughout the transition period.

Clive Greene, Head of Tenanted Estate, St Austell Brewery, said:

“We’re thrilled that Roger, one of our esteemed business partners who has transformed The Griffin in Bath into the successful pub it is today, is continuing to work with us to run two more iconic pubs in our portfolio."

“The pubs are in safe hands with Roger and his team; he has a wealth of experience and is passionate about offering the best hospitality experience possible for locals and visitors alike.”

St Austell Brewery has more than 120 leased and tenanted pubs across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset which are run by trusted business partners, along with 46 pubs in its managed estate across the South West. The 174-year-old independently-owned and family run South West business also brews a range of award-winning beers – including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and korev lager.