Family handing over to new couple after special time in charge at historic Lancaster pub

A family will hand over the reins of a historic Lancaster pub after what they described as "the best two and a half years we could ever have wished for".

Ryan and Laura James have decided to leave the Slyne Lodge and will hold a leaving party this Saturday.

Graham and Tracy Huddleston, formerly of the George in Torrisholme, will take over at the popular pub-restaurant in February.

The Slyne Lodge, owned by Marstons pub company, is based in a 19th century hunting lodge on Main Road, Slyne.

Ryan and Laura, who have four children, moved to the Lancaster and Morecambe area from Derbyshire to take over the Slyne Lodge in 2023.

"We've had the best two and a half years we could have ever wished for," said Ryan, who is a painter and decorator by trade.

"The minute we saw the Slyne Lodge, we wanted it, 100 per cent. We wanted a place with a bit of character.

"When we took it over, it was on its knees. We've made a lot of great friends and it really feels like home."

Below, the Slyne Lodge.

The family has decided to leave the pub after Laura was diagnosed with a rare degenerative spinal condition.

"It’s not a choice we ever imagined having to make - this business has been such a huge part of our life these past two years and we are so proud of what we’ve built together," she said, posting on the Slyne Lodge Facebook page.

"We took a huge risk, both financially and personally, when we uprooted our children and my parents to see what we could make of 'The Slodge' and it’s safe to say it has paid off.

"To everyone who has supported us - customers, friends, fellow business owners and our incredible local community - please know how deeply grateful we are. Your kindness, loyalty and encouragement have carried us through more than you’ll ever know.

"Our amazing staff who have been by our side, supporting us, laughing with us and seeing the highs and lows and riding the waves with us.

"Our incredible children for their understanding and tolerance to 'pub life' and all of the demands that come with it.

"My amazing parents for always supporting us, encouraging us and taking risks with us.

"While I need to focus on my health diagnosis right now, I want to be clear that this isn’t goodbye. This community means the world to us and we will still be around - cheering you all on, showing up when we can and finding new ways to stay connected and involved, but from the other side of the bar.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this journey. You’ve made it something truly special and we will carry that with us always. 

"Each and every one of you have welcomed our family with open arms and we have met some truly incredible people who will remain life long friends.

"We have found our home, in this area, because of all of you."

Graham and Tracy will be taking over the pub on February 5.

The Huddlestons are experienced in the licensed trade, and ran the George together from 2016 to 2021.

Graham said the Slyne Lodge "has always been a popular local pub as we hope to carry on the great job that Ryan and Laura have been doing the last few years".

"We are nervously excited at this fantastic opportunity and can't wait to meet the locals, old friends as well as new."

Ryan and Laura, posting on the Slyne Lodge Facebook page, said: "We couldn’t be happier knowing it is in such capable, caring hands.

"It means a lot to us to see continuity, familiarity and experience staying at the heart of Slyne Lodge and we’re confident they’ll continue to look after it with the same care and dedication."

The leaving party will be a mini music festival at Slyne Lodge, starting at 2.30pm on Saturday. All welcome.

There will be music from Matt Dougal Jones, Steven Wren, Coastline and the Craic Inn.