A landlord and landlady, who had never pulled a pint before taking over the reins of a popular home pub near Ewood Park, have handed in their notice after two years.

Gary and Deborah Mullin have announced their decision to leave the Ivy Hotel on Infirmary Street in Blackburn, having taken over from Gary’s cousin, Robert Mullin.

In a statement posted on social media, the pair said: “We have decided to make the decision to leave the Ivy Hotel.

“This decision has not been made lightly but feel it is our time to now leave.

“When we took the Ivy on over two years ago, we had never even pulled a pint, so to get this far and through a pandemic has been a massive achievement for us all.“We could not have come this far without the dedication of our customers and staff

and our sports league teams.

“We tried our very best to keep a good local pub going but on top of our full-time jobs

and family commitments we have decided now is the time to take a step back.”

Gary and Deborah are waiting to hear from Thwaites as to when their tenancy will end.

The pub has been listed as available on the brewery's website where it says that a "small investment’" will be made to improve the look and feel of the pub.

The listing reads: “Trade at the Ivy comes from the local houses and regular customers which have been using the pub for many years. It is also very popular with families. On match days the pub is very busy and welcomes home fans only.

“Karaoke is held on Saturdays, a local football team use the pub on Sundays, pool teams use the pub on Mondays and Thursdays and a darts team use the pub on Tuesdays.

“Food is offered for the teams but there isn’t currently a food offering for customers.”

The current opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 3pm until 11.30pm and Friday to Sunday from 12pm until 1am.