Pub and hotel chain Fuller, Smith & Turner, which produces London Pride bitter from its brewery in Chiswick, has appointed Grant Thornton to replace Ernst & Young (EY) as the company's auditors.

The change of auditor took place following a competitive tender from the company, which operates 177 managed pubs and 209 tenanted inns. Market capitalisation is £301.87m. The company listed on the London Stock Exchange in August 1996.

Grant Thornton will be proposed as auditors at the company's next AGM.

When asked how many years EY had been in place as auditor, an investor relations spokesperson said: 'Fuller's have been with Ernst & Young for as long as anyone can remember'. p>

Audit fees at Fuller last year came to £100,000, according to the 2013 company report and accounts, with EY receiving a further £16,000 for tax compliance work and an additional £6,000 for non-audit service fees.

Fuller, Smith & Turnover revenues for the year ending 30 March 2013 were £217.5m, up 7% on the previous year, while profit before tax was £35.2m. The business has spent £3.8m to enter the premium cider market with the acquisition of Cornish Orchards.