The landlords of a village pub are stepping down after failing to agree on a purchase deal.
Nick and Bob, who have been at the helm of The Royal George in Barningham for two years, announced they will leave once the property is sold.
The duo shared their plans with customers, saying they had hoped to buy the pub to secure its future, but found the brewery's price too steep given the investment and renovation they believed necessary.
They also cited the escalating challenges in the hospitality sector, such as rising energy costs, wages, business rates, and supplier prices, as factors in their decision.
The landlords said these pressures had made managing a traditional village pub increasingly tough.
Despite the impending change, they assured patrons it would be "business as usual" as the pub is put up for sale.
Events, food, and drink services will continue as normal for now.
The decision to step down was described as "particularly difficult" by the pair, after what they called an enjoyable and rewarding two years at the heart of the village community.
During their tenure, Nick and Bob hosted quiz nights, live music events, Sunday roasts, and fundraising activities, turning the pub into a lively social hub.
In their message, they also urged people to continue supporting village pubs, highlighting their role as the heart of rural communities and warning that once such venues are lost, they are hard to revive.
No date has been set for their final departure.
The Royal George will continue to operate under their management until a new owner is found.
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