A PUB set in a beauty spot has become one of the first in the country to use a new app to show customers the way to a good pint.

The Sun Inn at Coate Water is being used by Cask Marque, which provides awards for good quality cask ale, in a pilot scheme.

The national independent association wants to assess the benefits of pub apps at specific venues. The Sun, which is in the hands of a new management team, is one of a handful of pubs across the country to sign up for the scheme.

Landlady Julie Moss said: “It’s all about bringing in business, putting our pub in the new spaces where people are looking for information.

“Ten years ago, not everyone was convinced that pubs needed websites — now it’s considered rare if a pub doesn’t.”

She added: “I’ll be assessing how, if at all, customers old and new will use and benefit from the app.

Brewery director George Arkell is also keen to see if the trial works.

“The basics of a popular pub will always be good beer, a great welcome, warmth, people to talk to and something nice from the menu,” he said.

“Get that right and you’re more than half way there because the best reputation is built by word of mouth.

“But social media plays an important role in making sure customers know what’s going on at their favourite pub, what specials are on, what events are happening. It’s a great extension to the pub community.”