BOSSES of a popular family-run pub and bistro have taken the decision that now is the right time to start a new chapter in their lives after operating it for eight years.

The Pig & Whistle in Cartmel will be under new ownership from October.

Owners Tim Smith and Emma Taylor have run the business with the help of their children since September 2015.

This Sunday (September 3) will be the final day that food is served from the full menu until 6pm, including Sunday Dinner.

After then the pub will remain open but only for drinks at the usual opening and closing times.

The final pub quiz night will be hosted by 22-year-old son Jackson Taylor-Smith, who is closely involved in the management of the pub, on September 6 at 7.30pm.

Jackson said lower footfall and a natural spreading out of the family were the reasons why the family made the decision.

He said: “Obviously there is the well-recorded difficulties with running a pub at the moment but it’s been eight years so I think we’re all wanting to go something that is a bit less time-sensitive.

“My parents are getting towards retirement age and me and a couple of my brothers have both got to the age where we’re starting to move on with our lives so I think it’s a natural end now to move aside.

“Our happiest memories have been when the community has been involved. When you’ve got a good group of people that are all having a good time spontaneously, that has been the best thing.

“I’d like to thank all of the various staff members and family for their incredible service over the years.”