Pub landlords have confirmed they will call time on their three-decade stint at a 15th-century inn later this year.
Charles and Tracey Leaver have been pulling pints at The Chequers Inn in Laddingford, Maidstone, for more than 30 years.
Charles and Tracey Leaver of The Chequers Inn, Laddingford. Picture: Andy Jones
However, with the pub’s lease coming to an end in September, they have “taken the difficult decision to retire” from running the historic tavern.
Announcing the news on social media, Tracey joked she was “no longer in the position to tie Charles to the kitchen 12 hours a day”.
“Everything will stay the same over the summer with events and fun, and the staff are all staying on with us to look after you,” she wrote.
“If there’s anyone out there who would like to become the next guardians of this lovely pub, let us know!
“We’ll leave it there for the moment; there’s still another six months.”
The Chequers Inn pub in Laddingford
The news has prompted an outpouring of support, with many customers expressing their disappointment at hearing the news.
Katie Newman wrote: “To the best bosses ever! You will be missed enormously, but it’s absolutely deserved.”
“Thank you for the wonderful memories and friendships we were able to make, all due to you both running an absolutely awesome community village pub,” said Joanne Hooper.
“There will never be another Chequers like the one you created.”
Ian Simmons added: “We will miss you terribly. We have had so much fun with you over the years.”
Charles Leaver with Katie Newman
Speaking to KentOnline in 2024 as they celebrated their 30th anniversary at the inn, Tracey admitted their longevity had taken them by surprise.
“We never thought we were going to be here this long,” she said.
“We thought maybe three years, and then we’d move on, but we just liked the village so much, and the people, that we stayed.
“Being in a 15th-century building, you do realise that you are only the custodians.
Throughout their tenure, the couple have made it their mission to put the pub at the centre of the village and have come up with no end of ideas for community events that have now become a village tradition in themselves.
Charles and Tracey Leaver with some of their customers
There’s the annual Bangers and Beer day, the Train and Transport show (which is on again next month), visits from the Hartley Morris, and Tracey’s favourite – the annual fun veg and flower show.
“Of course, there have been a lot of changes over 30 years – the no-smoking ban was perhaps the biggest, and also changes in people’s habits,” said Tracey.
“What hasn’t changed is the people, who are lovely. We’ve watched children in the village grow up, become shy teenagers, then adults.”