Landlord steps away from The Ibex Inn at Chaddleworth

The co-owner of a village pub has announced their departure.

The landlord of The Ibex Inn at Chaddleworth has announced he will departing the 18th-century gastropub at the end of this month.

Nathan De Souza — who has more than 20 years’ experience running a chain of high-profile restaurants — announced he will be stepping away from the pub due to personal reasons.

“I need to step away to spend time and take care of my family,” he said.

But Mr De Souza reflected positively on his time at the pub, adding: “This venture has been more than a business for me.

“I am so incredibly proud that, after opening for a total of three days to then have to shut again for a lockdown, we have managed to survive a global pandemic and are now making our way through the cost of living crisis.

“These challenges are so detrimental for hospitality businesses, but it has been so incredible to watch this amazing village pub grow into what it is today.”

The pub recently celebrated being added to CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for the first time since 1992.

“I am touched to have been so welcomed into Chaddleworth life,” he added. “I am sure I will never find a community like it ever again.

“I will take a lot of fantastic memories with me. It’s been such a good laugh being your landlord and serving you all.”

Mr De Souza wishes to assure customers that service will be continuing as normal after November 30.

The pub was previously owned by John Castle, under Illexanna Ltd.

Since 1978, it was owned by Simonds Brewery, then Courage Brewery, then Morland Brewery and then Greene King, who sold the pub in 2013.