'We've had an amazing 10 years, but it's the right time to move on' - Dudley pub licensee talks about resigning for new adventures after making 'wonderful memories and great friends'
The former landlord of a Gornal pub has spoken of wonderful memories, great friends and knowing when was the best time to move on.
The Chapel House in Lower Gornal will have new people in charge for the first time in 10 years after it was announced on the pub's Facebook page that licensees James Stevens and Rachel Slater had decided to move on.
The pub, which is owned by Holden's Brewery, will reopen on January 19 under new management after Mr Stevens said he and his partner had made the decision to resign and move on to new adventures, saying that the current economic climate and the desire to do something different had played a part in their decision.
He said: "We've done 10 years and, in all fairness, the economics of it have played a part, as we can all see what's going to happen with pubs and business rates and the minimum wage, so that was part of it.
"Also, I've been pulling pints in this village for 32 years, so I think I've done my stint and while it's been a wrench to go as it's been our home for 10 years and, at times, it's been a bit upsetting, we've had some lovely experiences here and made some lovely friends.
"We've shed some tears, raised some glasses and said some cheers, laughed about the old times and cried about the old times, but it's just our time to move on."
