Couple who met at a pub now own it

By Freddie Noble

A couple have taken over running a pub - after they previously met there and got together.

Toby and Lisa Cocking met at The Earl of Normanton pub in Idmiston, Wiltshire and soon began dating.

Lisa, 43, and Toby, 42, are now running the pub - and are raising their child there.

They are now married, have a toddler, and are proud to have taken over the lease of the “quintessential country pub."

Lisa said: "The locals have known us since before we got together. They’re watching our little boy grow up here, and it’s super cute.

“Since then, we’ve had a little boy, who’s now three, and got married. Finally signing the lease was exciting. It did feel different.

"It’s hard work, and we’ve got a lot of families that have been super supportive to us."

Lisa and Toby met after they both began working at the pub. They thank previous landlords Polly and Phil who gave them the opportunity to pass on the baton.

Toby said: "Everything is made from raw ingredients. There’s nothing bought in – it’s these hands that make it.

“We both know no different; we’ve done this since childhood. We’re no strangers to the game.”