SUFFOLK-based lager brewer Calvors has celebrated the launch of its first public house.

Calvors, established by Alec Williamson in 2008 and based at Coddenham Green, announced last month that it had acquired the Rampant Horse pub in nearby Needham Market.

The pub, which dates from the 16th Century, has now reopened for business following refurbishment, and os offering a variety of locally-sourced food and drink, including a full range of Calvors lagers.

Calvors currently produces four lagers: Premium, 3Point8, Amber and Dark.

They are brewed naturally without the use of chemical preservatives, adjuncts (such as sugar, rice or maize) or pasteurisation and are not watered down from a stronger brew as has been the case with some mainstream lagers.

Mr Williamson said: “We are delighted to have acquired our first public house. We are aiming to showcase our lager range alongside a selection of local food and drink to support local businesses and the community.”

The launch of Calvors’ first pub comes just three months after it was named as the winner of THE ONE competition for 2012, a regional contest for early-stage businesses with high growth potential which carried a prize of business support worth �50,000.

It has given Mr Williamson the chance to work with organisations including PR agency Voice Communications and brand and creative firm Zeal Design to develop his business.

Also contributing their services to the prize package are the East Anglian Daily Times, business consultant Simon May, search engine optimisation specialist Climbing Trees Online Marketing, law firm Ellisons, accountants LB Group, leadership coaching firm Faith Performance and call answering service MyRuby.