Couple told to leave pub after nearly 20 years

Derek and Karen Owen say Marston's Brewery has "pulled the rug from under" them

A Warwickshire couple who run "Rugby's best pub" have been told to leave by Marston's Brewery after nearly 20 years.

Derek and Karen Owen, landlords at The William Webb Ellis, were served notice on Monday morning informing them they must leave their home and business in three months.

Mr Owen said he originally took the pub over as a favour to Marston's Brewery and had "built this pub up to what it is now".

A spokesperson for the brewery said "the pub needs to operate under a different agreement to reach its potential" and added that it would not be closing.

Speaking to BBC CWR, Mr Owen reflected on the news saying: "It is a community pub, it is the best pub in Rugby and Marston's Brewery have just come and pulled the rug from under us.

"Breweries these days do not give a hoot about people and our livelihood and the amount of effort we have put in."

The couple live at the pub with Ms Owen's daughter and the business' chef who will both also have to move out.

"It is just comfortable to live here because of the friends we have got and have made through the years," said Ms Owen.

"It is just unbelievable what they are doing. We were thinking of retiring next year anyway... so now they are making our choice for us to retire early when we are not ready for it."

In a statement, Marston's Brewery said: "We have decided, over a period of time, that the pub needs to operate under a different agreement to reach its potential for its guests and the operator.

"The current licensees are aware of this. The William Webb Ellis is not closing."