It was love at first sight when Lynn and Stuart Briggs first saw each other across the bar of the Sun Inn at Bassenthwaite.
Thirteen years later the couple have returned to the popular north Cumbrian pub as its new landlords.
They are taking over from Paul and Lisa Kingham, who are returning to their native Midlands after running the pub since 2013.
During that time the Kinghams have been credited with placing the Sun firmly at the centre of village life, attracting locals and visitors alike with fine ales, good food and a variety of theme nights and quizzes.
Originally from east Yorkshire, Stuart met Lynn, who hails from the North East, when they were both on holiday in the Lake District in 2008.
The couple married in 2014 and, after initially buying a holiday cottage at nearby High Close, decided to move to Bassenthwaite village permanently.
Lynn, a former civil servant, has worked at the pub for several years, while Stuart’s work as plumber, electrician, builder and decorator has made him well respected in the Cumbrian community.
“We’re no strangers to the joys and perils of the business during the last difficult two years, but we’re really looking forward to building on the success of Paul and Lisa,” Lynn said.
“We’ll be welcoming walkers, cyclists and villagers with a lunchtime menu, cake and sandwiches at tea time and the full menu in the evening, with Barry the chef providing his invaluable continuity and experience.
“We’ll also be running social events, including the quiz on the first Sunday in the month.”
Last weekend saw a big turn out of locals and regular village visitors bidding farewell to Paul and Lisa, with the pub decked out with well-wishers’ messages, cards and gifts.
