The owners of a popular pub have bid adios to punters as they look to make their dream move to Spain a reality.

Husband-and-wife team Teresa and Jon Booth have run The Riverside Inn in Torrington Road, Ashford, for the last 18 years.

But they handed over the keys earlier this month after first advertising the leasehold for the site in 2019.

“Naturally, this announcement comes with mixed emotions,” the couple said in a statement.

“For years, we have always hoped of one day departing England for a sunnier climate, and finally, our dream can come true.

“We are so proud that from starting on a smaller scale 18 years ago, we have built to become such a popular destination.”

The Booths say the new landlords “recognise what makes the pub a success” and will retain the staff, menus, and recipes.

“To the wonderful staff we have had the pleasure of working with, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their hard work and dedication,” they added.

“And none of this would have been possible without our valued customers coming through our doors.

“We are positive you will be able to continue to enjoy the high standards you have come to expect and that our little pub will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Despite the pandemic striking just after the Booths decided to sell the pub, the couple previously said they were able to deal with the disruption.

"We had a long-established business before the pandemic," Mrs Booth said in 2022.

"With the grants the government gave us, we were able to keep afloat and reopen in April 2021.

"We were one of the lucky ones because we have a huge marquee outside, so we did really well and haven't looked back."

KentOnline contacted the new landlords of The Riverside Inn, but did not receive a response.