STAFF and locals have bid a fond farewell to a couple who have been running a popular village pub for the last five years. 

Sarah and Darren Hitchon have been at the helm of The Pooley Bridge Inn since 2019.

With the help of Country Village Inns, they have carried and grown the business throughout challenges like the pandemic and a complete refurb.

The duo are now leaving a 'huge part of their lives' to manage a restaurant and events venue at a holiday park closer to home with their five-year-old daughter, Thea. 

“It’s been an outstanding five years,” said Sarah.

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“All we ever wanted to create was a local away from home.

"I know it’s a tourist hotspot but we still wanted to create that local from home where people can come in, grab a drink, have something to eat and recognise a few faces and enjoy the experience.

“The support from customers over the years and the team has been wonderful.

“We went from the quiet pub in the village to taking over the village at some points," she said. 

Despite their departure, the couple assured patrons that the rest of the team at The Pooley Bridge Inn will remain the same, with the popular quiz nights and live music set to continue. 

An interim manager will be brought in by the company while a search for a new general manager is carried out.

“Now we’ve left Pooley Bridge, we want them to be as successful as they can be.

“Pooley Bridge is in our blood now, the businesses in the area from Chestnut House, Ullswater Wake and Surf, The Secret Garden - we got to know the community and the locals so well, but we have to do what’s right for us," she said. 

In a heartfelt post on social media, Country Village Inns described the couple as "true assets" and said they will be "missed greatly".