Regulars of a much-loved North Lancashire pub, just a stone's throw from the Lake District, have been left devastated after its owners announced they are leaving, and that the historic inn will be put up for sale.
Ben and Lauren, who took over The New Inn at Yealand Conyers just over a year ago, posted the news on social media, saying they will be departing in June, leaving behind a pub they have transformed into one of the most talked-about in the area.
"It's with a heavy heart that we are announcing that Ben and I will be leaving the pub on Sunday June 7," they wrote.
"We have had an amazing year and we could never have imagined the success we have had since opening last April.
"Sadly, this isn't the usual case of financial struggles, we are leaving the pub due to personal reasons."
The pair took the reins of the Grade II listed, 16th-century inn in the heart of Yealand Conyers, a village nestled on the edge of the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a fifteen minute drive from the Lake District.
In just over a year, they won a loyal following with a menu that put a modern spin on traditional British pub food, a warm atmosphere and a reputation for first-class hospitality, earning the pub a remarkable 4.9 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor from 143 reviews.
The outpouring of sadness on social media was immediate. One wrote: "You have both been brilliant, thank you for bringing our village pub alive again.
"You will both be so missed."
A regular visitor added: "By far our favourite place to spend a Sunday.
"Food is amazing and the atmosphere is so warm and welcoming.
"We've enjoyed staying in the rooms and love the pub.
"It will be a shame to see it change hands again, I'll miss my roast dinners."
Another said: "You have both been amazing, and made the pub such a welcoming and atmospheric place to be, as it should be."
Ben and Lauren were keen to stress that business will carry on as usual until their final day. "Until then, it's service as normal," they wrote.
"Top beers, top laughs, and we will still be pushing our great food and service until the day we leave.
"We have plenty of parties and music nights planned so we want to keep seeing all your lovely faces eating, drinking, dancing and enjoying the pub in the meantime."
They also paid tribute to the pub's owners, the Robinson family, who gave them the opportunity to run the inn.
"We would like to say a sincere thank you to the Robinson family for giving us the opportunity and for all of their support over the last year, it has meant a great deal to us."
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Following their departure, they said that the Robinson family have confirmed the pub will go on the market.
They hope a "like-minded couple" will take it on and continue to provide the warm hospitality that has won so many hearts in the village.
For those who haven't yet visited before the handover, the pub is open every day and offering food on all but Monday.
The inn also offers accommodation and is ideally placed for exploring the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland, with Leighton Hall and RSPB Leighton Moss among the local attractions within easy reach.
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