A PUB which has been at the heart of a community for more than 300 years has left punters at a loss after announcing its closure.
The owners of the North Devonboozer are set to retire.
Carol McCormack-Hole and Jerry Hole have run The Plough Inn at Bickington ever since they took over the site in 1980.
The North Devon pair have been celebrated by locals for their long-standing efforts in the neighbourhood.
Quizzes, bingo, egg eating competitions, darts, bike rides and even a parachute jump for charity have been on the agenda for the past few decades.
The singles club, which has run for seven years, has even been responsible for a married couple's fairy-tale ending.
For 40 years, The Plough also offered Wednesday and weekend lunches.
The venue's last Sunday lunch took place on Mother's Day before closing its doors earlier this week.
Carol has described transforming the pub from an empty shell with pigeons nesting under the bar.
She told Devon Live: “There were people that walked in here when they were 35, and now they’re 85.
“It really is a life, not just a beer shop. You know people’s children, their grandchildren, everyone looks after each other, duringcoronavirus, we made sure everyone was supported.”
Jerry added: “It’s a pub that’s always been involved with the community.
“We’ve been here so long that we’ve grown old with these people.”
The pub dates back to 1710 but it is thought it could be even older.
With Carol working as a local councillor and being a member of Fremington Parish Council, it is perhaps no surprise that the community has been left heartbroken.
Many have taken to social media to express their thoughts.
One local wrote: “Has always been the most friendly and heartwarming pub you can imagine, brilliant at organising pub sports for the local community, and of course dishing up lovely food!
“Enjoy your well deserved Retirement Carol and Jerry!”
Someone else commented: “Played skittles there many a time and had some great food.will be sadly missed.
“Wishing you both all the best. Happy retirement.”
Another put: “What a pity it's shutting, nice comfy little beezer, had quite a few skittles nights there, enjoy your retirement and thank you for your efforts over the years.”
One Facebookuser replied: “Have a wonderful retirement, many thanks for euchre evenings and great food, Carols lasagne is legendary, much happiness for the future xx”
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
