A chance chat with a friend led a Kirby-Le-Soken couple to return home from Bristol to run the village pub they used to drink in.

Since taking over The Ship late last year, the couple have been making many changes, including staging what they believe is its first beer and cider festival next month.

Colchester-born Tony grew up in Kirby-Le-Soken, later working as an estate agent around Harwich, Clacton and Chelmsford, before moving to Bristol in 1997, becoming area manager for Countrywide in charge of 16 branches.

After 28 years as an estate agent, the 49-year-old wanted to return to the village, as did wife Angela, 52, who originally came from Frinton.

“As a youngster drinking here, I said I might one day run a pub,” said Tony.

Angela had been running her own hairdressing business in Gloucestershire and while up here visiting family, they got talking to former publican Alastair Waters. He had re-opened the Ship several years earlier, but was ready for a change.

“He really set it up for us all. He was a really lovely bloke,” Angela said.

Since becoming tenants and landlords of the former 17th Century farmhouse, they have made changes including becoming a seven-day operation (now opening on Mondays), redecorating the restaurant, changing the menus more frequently, employing another chef and developing a website and Facebook pages. Band performances and pub quizzes also take place monthly and more functions and parties are held. The beer and cider range is also larger and the pub has become ‘dog friendly.’ Next month, starting on the evening of Thursday June 30, The Ship stages its beer festival, featuring 12 ales and 6 ciders. Tony is working with Harwich Brewery to source the ales and there will be BBQ food served in addition to the usual menu.

Friday will see saxophone music from Danny the Sax, with a second performer to be confirmed for Saturday. The festival ends Sunday.

Tony said beer festivals generate a “sense of excitement” for himself and customers as they allow people to try different ales from across the country. This adds to the ‘good following’ The Ship, a Free House, has attracted for its Adnams ales and others.

“My motto for the pub is, I don’t care what customers buy, all I want them to do is to leave the pub happy,” he said.

Angela agreed, saying both had careers that involved “long hours, been on your feet all day and talking to people,” ideal experience for running a village pub.

“I feel like I have come home, really come home,” she added.