Palmers Brewery of Bridport has bought The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton from owners Norman and Anne White.

The picturesque, thatched pub in Dorset nestling by the River Piddle was bought for an undisclosed sum in a private sale. The Thimble is a Grade II listed building built around 300 years ago with many ancient beams, a well and two large open log fireplaces.

Tim Woodrow, Palmers’ tenanted trade director, said: ‘We want to continue after Norman and Anne in welcoming all the locals. We also want to establish The Thimble as a quality destination food pub serving a range of Palmers’ fine real ales.

‘The Thimble has served Palmers’ beers for many years now and our ale has a strong following in the Piddle Valley. The pub has great potential and buying it was the natural next step. It extends the Palmers’ pub range eastward and will be a great asset.’

The current landlords will continue to run the pub over the Christmas period and Palmers will take over on 24 January.