A HUSBAND and wife who have run a popular pub for the past five years are leaving – blaming their departure on rising costs facing the industry.

Paul and Kelly Johnson took over The Ship Inn in Wylam in 2017.

But this week, they announced that they had decided not to renew the lease due to rising costs, including their rent as well as utility bills and the cost of food and alcohol.

The pair said it had been an 'extremely tough decision'.

“Also, from a personal point of view, with our new arrival on the way soon, we will not be able to commit to the business as we previously have done," they said.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the wonderful people who have supported us through the last five years and all the friends we have made.

“Also a massive thank you to everyone who has worked with us at The Ship, working extremely hard to make it the massive success it is. You are all heroes and we couldn’t have done it without you.

“We will not actually be leaving until July 3 so there is plenty of time to get your Ship fix."

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The couple said they would continue to strive for the high standards they had always aimed for.

“Watch out for our special events in the next few months... possibly bringing some doughnuts and hog roasts back too…

“And of course a big party to finish."

Paul Hillhouse, Tyneside and Northumberland CAMRA chairman, said: “The past two years have been incredibly challenging for the hospitality industry beyond forced lockdowns.

“We are seeing staff shortages as many have left the industry and many more having to isolate, as well as extra outgoings for protective equipment or food ordering apps, rising prices on wholesale food and drink and more recently a massive increase in energy prices.

“These all come together to put immense pressure on publicans and shall inevitably lead to the prices at the bar going up.”