A MARRIED couple are set to call time when their 40 year career behind the bar comes to an end next week.

Julie Robinson and her husband Stephen, have been running the Bull's Head in Davenham for the last six years, but their career in the pub trade goes back much further.

On Monday, November 29, the call for last orders looks set to be a poignant one, with the couple looking forward to a well earned rest in the Spanish sunshine.

"Stephen and I actually met while working at a hotel in Alderley Edge," Julie said.

"Then after we got married Stephen got a job running Manchester Football Club, which is the big rugby club in Cheadle Hulme.

"We then bought our first freehouse which was the Church House in Bollington, where we spent ten years building that up into a nice village pub."

When the couple sold that pub, they emigrated to Spain, where they ran a bar/restaurant on the Costa Del Sol for five years, before returning home for the sake of two daughters (Becky and Stephanie) schooling.

Julie added: "We came back home and had the Rock Tavern in Marple Bridge.

"That was actually derelict when we took it on and we had a couple of years there before we unexpectedly returned to the Church House, which about to be closed down.

"We actually ended up staying there for another seven years.

"We built it back up again and actually sold it on to a man who had worked for us since he was about 14."

Northwich Guardian: The Bull's Head in Davenham

The beautiful Bull's Head in Davenham

Then, in around 2015, the couple ended up moving to the village of Davenham, where they have spent the last six and a half years of the working careers.

"Pubs have obviously changed over the years," Julie went on to say.

"The smoking ban had a huge impact on the pub trade, particularly for those that might just come in for a few pints and a chat.

"It's more of a social thing for families and groups of younger people these days.

"Although obviously here at the Bull's Head, we're a village pub and tend to have an older crowd.

"Trade's been hit by so many obstacles over the years, none more so than what's happened over the past two years."

With several national lockdowns during the pandemic, meaning pubs relying solely on take aways, the last couple of years has been tough.

Although sad to leave such a supportive community, the Robinson's will still be represented with their daughter Becky remaining as front of house when the new custodians take over.

"Becky and Stephanie have worked for us either full-time or part-time for many years," Julie said.

"They've both been brilliant.

"Our life has always been in a rush, so we're both looking forward to not having anything to worry about.

"I'll obviously miss the pub, because it's so beautiful, and of course, the people too.

"I'd just like to say thank you to all our customers for their support over the years and how much we've appreciated them.

"Hopefully they'll continue to support the pub, as it's theirs, and it wouldn't be what it is today without them."