Ref. 28655-3A PUB has applied to be the first in Swindon where couples can tie the knot. The Tawny Owl pub, in Queen Elizabeth Drive, Taw Hill, North Swindon, which opened in October has applied to Swindon Council for permission to host civil marriage ceremonies.

Landlord Phil Britton, 35, thinks it is a brilliant idea and cannot wait to crack open the champagne.

He said: "We think it will be really popular. People love it here, so it is the perfect place to get hitched."

But Mr Britton will not be trying it out for himself because he is already married to Louisa, 32.

The couple have been running the pub together since it first opened last October.

Mr Britton said: "It's going really well and we really feel at the heart of the community.

"Giving people the chance to marry here would be the icing on the cake."

The pub, which is owned by Swindon-based brewery, Arkell's, has a function room, restaurant area and five bedrooms available for bookings.

Up to 50 people can attend the ceremony and catering arrangements range from a five-course sit down meal to a finger buffet.

As for refreshments, guests can order any drink under the sun.

Mr Britton said: "You name it, we will serve it. There's no risk of the bar running dry here, so everyone can eat, drink and be married to their heart's content."

James Arkell, the managing director of Arkell's Brewery, is equally thrilled with the proposal.

Last year the brewery, in Stratton St Margaret, celebrated its 160th birthday and currently owns 102 pubs.

Mr Arkell said: "We are delighted to be ahead of the game and hope many couples will enjoy their big day with a pint of 3Bs."

Premises approved for civil marriage in the Swindon borough

Thistle Hotel, Fleming Way

Madison Inn Hotel, Oxford Road

Civic Offices, Euclid Street

Lydiard Park Conference Centre, Lydiard Tregoze

Goddard Arms Hotel, High Street, Old Town

Stanton House Hotel, The Avenue, Stanton Fitzwarren

Swindon Marriott Hotel, Pipers Way, Old Town

Holiday Inn, Marlborough Road, Swindon

Blunsdon House Hotel, Blunsdon

Chiseldon House Hotel, New Road, Chiseldon

De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon

The Villiers Inn, Moormead Road, Wroughton