A legendary mother and daughter team have bid an emotional farewell to the much-loved village pub the family has run for 20 years.

Landlady Annie Blown - known as ‘Big’ Annie - has lovingly run The Bowl Inn in Hastingleigh, near Ashford, alongside her husband Ron since 2004.

Five years ago, ‘Little’ Annie stepped in to help run the pub when her father passed away .

However, after two decades it’s time for the next chapter for the popular duo.

Grandmother-of-five Mrs Blown and her late husband were not planning on becoming publicans when they bought the place in 2004.

They happened across the 17th century tavern, also near Wye, on a drive through the countryside.

Mrs Blown, 66, recalled: “Ron was just driving past for a drink and he passed The Bowl.

“It was quite run-down looking but he banged on the door and asked if it was up for sale and then it started from there really.

“We weren’t looking to buy a pub at the time.”

Since then, the inn has gone from strength to strength, staying in the good beer guide for 18 years and securing the favour of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) on no less than eight occasions.

Ron sadly passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer in 2019, with daughter ‘Little’ Annie helping her mum keep the pints flowing since.

“He was just a huge character,” Mrs Blown told KentOnline.

“A lot of people came just for him and then continued to come in the years later.”

Bucking the trend of many local boozers, The Bowl remained successful following lockdown.

It held a busy annual beer festival and a monthly quiz night, which are set to continue under new owners.

Recalling her time at the inn, landlady Mrs Blown added: “Those 20 years have gone so fast.

“I’ve got mixed emotions leaving after so long, but I know I’ve done the right thing.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter now.

“I’m not retiring yet and will do a few little things.”

Hundreds of punters attended a leaving party for the duo on June 15, which was also their last day.

The business has now been taken over by another Hastingleigh family – Sarah, Hugo and Harry Willet, who is returning to the pub industry after a 12-year hiatus.

Mrs Blown - who is moving to Sandwich - said: “It’s been left in capable hands.

“I’m sure they will do a good job.

She jokingly remarked: “I’m glad it’s staying as a pub. I think if anyone tried to change it they’d be hung, drawn and quartered by the village!

“I wish them every success for the future.”