Landlords of a pub that has closed because of the soaring cost of utilities paid tribute to the team "that stuck it to the bitter end despite knowing the dream was fading".
The Talbot Inn near the Swinford Toll Bridge at Eynsham closed its doors last Thursday.
Landlords Ross and Salle shared on Facebook that they were giving up the pub "due to economic uncertainty".
They wrote: "It’s with sadness that we made the decision due to economic uncertainty, staffing issues and the overall toll it was taking on our lives to give our notice on The Talbot a few months ago.
"It’s been an incredible journey in so many ways and we’re incredibly proud of everything with achieved after exiting lockdowns and reopening The Talbot."
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The couple took over the pub in May 2021 as the country came out of Covid lockdowns.
While some pubs were able to open their gardens to customers in April, many had to wait until May 17 when indoor hospitality was allowed.
At that time the couple said it had been a huge year of uncertainty for pubs across the land and "Rome wasn’t built in a day but with hard work and the support of the customers we will get there".
But in their post this week they said: "We will miss our loyal customers and our four legged K9 visitors."
They added: "We want to pay tribute to the hard working team that stuck it to the bitter end despite knowing the dream was fading.
"None of the success of the last 16 months would have been possible without those key people who turned up and pulled it out the bag no matter what.
"The team that were reliable were the backbone of everything we did and we will be forever grateful and proud of them.
"New beginnings for all now and best wishes for the future to everyone."
Regulars responded that they were 'sad to see' the couple leave.
Trading times at the pub, which has 11 guest bedrooms and sits next to the river, had been liable to change in recent weeks "due to difficult trading".
A spokesperson for Arkells Brewery said: "We are really sad Ross decided to move on from the Talbot as he was a great tenant, however, sadly the cost of utilities and wanting to spend more time with his family persuaded him to leave.
"The Talbot is currently closed while we look for a new operator and we are planning to do some refurbishments over the winter."
Landlord Ross said: "I do not wish to engage on the matter or offer more explicit reasoning behind my decision to exit the business."
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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