Saying goodbye and moving to Spain

There. I’ve finally gone and done it! That can now stop the rumour mongers from putting out misinformation and let all my customers and good friends know the truth. It is with a heavy heart I leave. Over the past ten years, Lynn and I have made some life-long friendships with people we didn’t know until we took over the pub. We were overwhelmed the other Saturday night when our great staff laid on an emotional evening by bringing together the loyal following we have built up.

The overriding theme of the party was the fact we, as staff and customers, have brought a community feel back to the pub. Just like the bar in the TV show Cheers, everyone does know your name.

It was difficult to make a speech which managed to precis our ten year tenure of the York but I only wavered twice. I can present to a hundred strangers I have never met but you try thanking the same amount of people you have shared a life with for that length of time - it is emotional to say the least. During the evening people approached me and we reminisced about the events which brought us all together.

The soul scene, charity events, the quiz night (best in town, even though I say it myself), fancy dress theme nights: the list went on. So why give it all up?

After ten years we have come to the conclusion that, unless there is an upturn in the financial state of the town, new jobs created or people just remembering where their local is, it is just not worth the hassle for us.

We have reached the point in our lives where we want a new challenge. This is the longest time we’ve spent in one place after years of moving about with the army. I think we have itchy feet and, to be honest, this weather doesn’t help.

We are here until February 22 so there’s time for a few more goodbyes. Pop in and see us!