A PUB landlord is relieved to be calling last orders after falling out of love with the his job.

Cllr Josh Allen, who is landlord of the White Bull in New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, and councillor for Immanuel ward, has decided to give up the pub due to him no longer wanting to be involved in the industry, coupled with ‘health issues’.

Despite having loved the industry when he took over the pub in 2019, completing a £40,000 refurb before opening the doors, Josh has said that he is actually looking forward now to closing the pub.

He said: “It’s the biggest relief I have ever had in my life.

“It was almost like being in a bad relationship where you just can’t wait to get out of it.

“We have pondered on it for a few months decided whether we should close.

“We think now is the best possible time as the industry is picking up again - it gives the next owner the chance to hit the ground running.”

The last day the pub will be open is August 29 and all the staff have already got a new job with help from Josh.

There are not yet any new owners lined up for the pub, but Josh hopes that by the time he leaves there will be someone to take over and that they will have the opportunity to build it up as Covid restrictions have been lifted.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the landlord and Conservative councillor has spoken out a number of times against the restrictions pubs have faced over the past 16 months, claiming that the government ‘didn’t care about the hospitality industry at all’.

Josh added: “The restrictions - it’s taken the heart and soul of people.

“Obviously in hospitality, you talk with people and sit with people over the bar and we were not able to do that for ages.

“I know the restrictions have ended but that has damaged it quite a lot that.

“We have had people say that they have greatly missed talking to people - they enjoy talking to people that’s why they are in the industry.”

The pub will be closing under Josh’s leadership at the end of August, with the landlord thanking customers and staff for their loyalty over the years.

He added: “It’s been a fantastic few years and we’ve met some amazing people who we will miss greatly.”