Andy and Julie Hyde were both working in London banks and commuting each day from their Essex home before they decided to quit the rat race and go into hospitality.
As Julie succinctly puts it, "We just got fed up with it, so we bought a country pub in Norfolk."
The couple weren't even looking for a property or a new business venture at the time - Julie found the Heron Public House & Restaurant in Stowbridge by chance while looking for something else on the internet.
"It was very, very spontaneous," she laughs. "There was no thought or planning in it. We fell in love with it. It's lovely; right next to the river."
Despite having been in the property for only 10 weeks and having no previous experience, the couple have already made some big alterations. On top of cosmetic changes such as investing in new furniture for the beer garden, the couple have introduced a new … la carte menu and a carvery menu on Sunday, which is proving popular.
The entertainment programme has also received a shake-up, with locals able to take their pick from quiz nights and karaoke among other things, which the couple have introduced in a bid to "liven it up".
"We're doing very well and we've been really accepted by the locals," says Julie. "It's been hectic, but it's very good. We're hands-on every day. The hardest thing to get used to was the hours, but we're used to it now. And we've got lots more plans for the place."
And her advice for anyone else thinking of doing the same thing? "Just get up there and do it."
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