Brewery and pub business Fuller, Smith & Turner has bought a controlling stake in cider and pizza restaurant chain The Stable.

Led by entrepreneurs, Richard and Nikki Cooper, The Stable has six sites across the South West specialising in gourmet pizzas and a range of 50 different craft ciders.

As part of the partnership, Fuller's will also acquire the freehold of The Bull Hotel in Bridport, Dorset. The business started in The Bull, which the couple purchased in 2006. The hotel - which has 19 boutique bedrooms - had a stable at the rear, which became the site of the first pizza and cider restaurant.

Five further restaurants followed in Weymouth, Bristol, Bath, Poole and Fistral Bay, Newquay and the plan is to expand the business further into the South of England. Fuller's investment in the company will allow the Coopers to realise their expansion plans and the business will still run under their leadership.

Fuller's is investing £7.3 million for the 51% share, as well as the freehold of The Bull Hotel and there is an option to increase this investment in the future. It is anticipated that the transaction will be broadly earnings neutral in the first year.

In a statement, Fuller’s said: “The Stable has a clear brand proposition which is characterful and distinctive and provides a unique and complementary addition to Fuller's growing premium food and drink portfolio. Fuller's expertise of operating in the wider southern counties, as well as years of experience at multi-site operations, will help with the roll out of the business.”