CELEBRITY chef Rick Stein could be planning the takeover of another Cornish village.

The television chef's businesses dominate the picturesque port of Padstow to the point where some call it "Padstein".

Now Mr Stein has reportedly bought a pub a couple of miles up the road in the village of St Merryn.

A spokesman for the celebrity chef said no deal had been done but confirmed that Mr Stein was interested in the St Merryn business.

The pub trade would be a new venture for the chef, who has specialised in seafood restaurants and hotels.

Mr Stein has already created his own beer in collaboration with Sharp's Brewery, based across the water from Padstow at Rock.

Chalky's Bite – a Belgian-style brew named after celebrity chef Rick Stein's famous late dog – was launched in late 2006.

Mr Stein told the Daily Mail: "We are looking at a pub with a view to running it more as a local rather than as a gastropub.

"Pubs have had such a bad time of late with booze in supermarkets and the smoking ban. It would be nice to run a successful pub and help preserve the local, because I love locals myself."

Mr Stein's success in Padstow has split the local population. With four restaurants, four hotels, three shops and a seafood school, he is a major employer and many are grateful for the above-average wages and increased tourist numbers throughout the year.

The television chef does have his critics, however, who claim that Mr Stein's endeavours have led to a gentrification of the town that has sent property prices into the stratosphere.

"On the whole, the locals are quite happy because the businesses create jobs," said Mr Stein. "I'm keen to promote the local economy. That goes for buying and employing staff."

Telephone calls to the Cornish Arms went unanswered yesterday.

The news was welcomed by local district and county councillor Sarah Townrow, who said: "He's done a very good job in Padstow. It will bring people in and that's what we need. As long as he doesn't price locals out of the market then it will be a good thing."