A popular pub landlord couple say they plan to retire to Spain after almost 20 years at the helm of a bustling inn.

David and Suzanne Pott took over the Market Inn in East Street, Faversham, in September 2005 and will call time on their stint today.

At 69 and 64 respectively, the duo say it is with a heavy heart they pass over their beloved boozer – but the offer of sunnier shores became too enticing to turn down.

“It is a lifestyle and we have thoroughly enjoyed it over the years,” said Suzanne.

“There’s never been a reason to leave. There are times when you’ve had enough, but it is a good pub.

“But it is time to retire now. We will definitely miss it.”

“I will miss the social side,” added David, who previously ran The Beaver Inn, Ashford, for two years before moving to Faversham.

“No matter what side of the bar you’re on, there’s always someone to talk to.”

“We used to open at 10.30am and there was a queue outside the door to get in! It is also quite nice standing and looking out from the bar. It’s a nice view.”

Affectionately known as the ‘Meerkat Inn’, the wet-only venue has built a strong reputation for its live music offering and hosting of various groups such as the Faversham Blind Club and the Winkle Club.

Fame on the small screen came in 2011 in the shape of four days of filming for gritty Channel 4 thriller Southcliffe, while the pub also made its mark on history by revealing an early Anglo-Saxon site in the beer garden in 2019.

Charity fundraising included collecting enough for a total of four sponsored Guide Dog puppies, while awards have ranged from Faversham in Bloom winners for their hanging baskets, to Shepherd Neame’s Community Pub of the Year in 2009.

The duo will be handing over the reins to Tim and Lacey Stowell, who will take on the boozer alongside The Bear in Market Place – with plans to run both.

Greg Wallis, director of tenanted pub operations, said: “David and Suzanne have been hard-working licensees for us for many years, and this was recognised at our annual awards ceremony in May, when they received an Outstanding Contribution award.

“We wish them a very happy retirement.”