BRIMSCOMBE’S only pub has been put up for sale for a quarter of a million pounds as the landlords seek retirement.

The Ship Inn on Brimscombe Hill was put on the market on a freehold tenure last month for exactly £250,000.

The former canal side pub lies directly opposite Brimscombe Port, an area of the village preparing to undergo a huge multi-million pound regeneration project.

Current landlords David and Christine Collins, who have run the pub for over 20 years, are retiring from the trade.

Former Royal Air Force engineer, David, 67, said: “Hopefully it will stay as a pub, but that’s out of our hands.

“I’ve loved seeing people enjoy themselves, you build up a family of friends.

“I just like helping and serving the community.

“I hope the pub goes from strength to strength and stays as a community pub – if someone decided to change it to for instance a sports bar then I don’t think it would work.”

David and his wife Christine, 69 – who has been in the pub trade for 30 years – will retire when the property is sold, which is likely to be before the end of March.

District councillor for Brimscombe Martin Whiteside said he hoped the pub would stay right at the heart of the community in years to come.

“I would like to thank the current landlords for their time serving us in Brimscombe and look forward to the future,” he said.

“With Brimscombe Port re-developed with new housing, employment and visitors - I am sure the Ship Inn will have an important and growing role as part of our vibrant local community.”

The Ship Inn has an open plan bar and restaurant, darts area, a three bed private accommodation, a small outside area and a large car park with space for 25 vehicles.