A new husband and wife team have taken over a country pub after its previous licensees retired after 30 years.

Michael and Helen Paraskevas have moved into the Griffin’s Head in Chillenden, between Canterbury and Deal, a Shepherd Neame pub which became a drinking hole in 1766.

Its previous landlords Jerry Copestake and wife Karen have decided to retire after three decades at the boozer, which was originally a farmhouse built in 1405, during the reign of Edward I.

The pair were treated to a surprise send off last month by more than 500 customers, including many former staff and the couple’s son Nick, who flew over from Canada for the special occasion.

Its new tenants are long-serving Shepherd Neame licensees, having run the brewery’s Watermans Arms in Wouldham for three years, then the Bucks Head in Sevenoaks for 10 years.

Mrs Paraskevas, 57, said: “Jerry and Karen still live nearby and have already been in to wish us well, which was lovely.

“The regulars have been incredibly welcoming, and our bar manager Ray Fulbrook, who has worked at the pub for 15 years, has really helped us settle in.

“We decided to have some time off after leaving the Bucks Head, but my sister Carol and her husband Ralph took over the pub, so we were still in touch with Shepherd Neame, and heard that the Griffin’s Head was going to be available.

“We didn’t know the area at all, but when we saw the pub, we loved it. It is a such a beautiful, traditional building with so much character.”

Originally from Rochester, Mr and Mrs Paraskevas met while travelling in Greece, where his family ran a restaurant.

The couple married in 1981, and spent 25 years working together in the restaurant, Helen looking after front-of-house and Michael working as a chef, before returning to the UK with their three children.

Their latest pub originally served travellers on the main Canterbury to Deal road and still boasts many original features, including oak beams, flagstones and an inglenook fireplace.

Mr Paraskevas, 60, said: “The Griffin’s Head is a very successful pub, and our aim is to ensure it retains its unique character and appeal, while also making our own mark.

“The kitchen and outside barbecue area are both being refurbished, and we are introducing a new menu, featuring bar snacks and traditional pub classics, with a touch of Mediterranean influence in some dishes.”