It's the end of an era and the start of an exciting new one at The Blue Ball - Rutland's oldest in and the home of hospitality for 400 years.

After 15 years at the helm, and the most recent 10 years supported by partner Pip, landlord Dominic Way will soon be handing the guardianship of this historic coaching inn on to an an experienced and energetic new landlord, Bups Chaggar.

Bups, who has had top roles with major restaurant chains, has a clear vision for The Blue Ball's future, which honours its reputation for a friendly welcome, great food, drinks and service.

Dominic, 53, and Pip, 57, are semi retiring and will continue to live in the village, where they've made many friends. Pip's youngest is leaving home for uni in September and they always planned to take a step back at this point.

The couple's new life comes as the hospitality sector emerges from the third, and hopefully final, lockdown, which delivered much stress to the industry and those working in it over the past 18 months.

Nub News has previous reported the challenges of the time.

Dominic said: "The pandemic simply cemented our original decision. Pip was a practising artist before she started helping me with the pub and it's website, marketing and decorative makeovers.

"She took up her brushes again during the lockdowns and has also been helping others to market their small businesses, as she's a whizz at it.

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"I was previously a foreign exchange trader, and have got back into the swing of it again. So we're looking forward to having more time to focus on these passions."

Despite recent hardships due to lockdown, the couple look back at their years at the pub with fondness.

Dom continued: "The most pleasurable aspect of running a village pub has been the people. Locals and regular customers become friends over time.

"And seeing the young staff develop and gain confidence and skills. Many of them return just to see us, bringing their lanterns, and even their babies.

He further explained: "The biggest achievement has been steering a steady ship through occasionally choppy waters."

"Although it's been a financial struggle to keep the pub afloat over the past year or so, as soon as we reopened our doors, customers have been happy to return.

"Staffing has been more of a challenge, there always seems to be someone off self isolating. So we reduced our opening hours to weekends only, Friday to Sunday."

The news of the couple's retirement was recently announced on social media, with locals naturally sorry that Dominic and Pip are leaving, but they understand and wish them well.

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Villagers say the couple have become so much a part of the Braunston community that they look forward to meeting up with them again....but at the other side of the bar!

In the meantime, the pub will be open as usual every weekend for food and drinks Friday to Sunday right until Sunday August 29.

After clearing and cleaning out, Dominic will hand over to new landlord Bups on September 15.

Bups plans to crack on with some sprucing up indoors and outdoors, before reopening the doors as soon as humanly possible to welcome everyone.

Both Bups and the pub owning company, Admiral Taverns, are investing in upgrading the property for the longer term, which is an encouraging sign at a time when many pubs have closed their doors for good.

Pip commented: "Bups has wealth of hospitality management experience including running his own successful village pub. Since then he's been looking for the perfect place to invest his passion for great hospitality in. It was love at first sight when he found The Blue Ball."

The couple added: "We want to thank all our loyal friends, customers, locals and neighbours for their unfailing support over our time here, and especially during this last year when the whole nation has been struggling in one way or another.

"We'd love to see you during our final month pulling pints and serving Chef's amazing fresh food."

• The Blue Ball is open Fridays and Saturdays, at 12-10pm / Food 12-2pm & 5-9pm. It is also open on Sundays 12-8pm / Food 12-5pm

It is serving the Chef's Weekend Menu plus Daily Specials & Desserts and Proper Roasts with all the homemade trimmings on Sundays.

Visit the website for the menu and more information.