A BELOVED Canvey pub will be going up for sale after the landlords have decided to call it a day.

Potential landlords will be able to take over the management of the Haystack Pub, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey after current landlords Steve Lant and his wife Angie have decided to sell their lease.

The couple have manned the pumps of the town centre pub for over seven years but are looking forward to spending some well-earned time together once a new licence holder is found.

Mr Lant, 57, said: “It is sad that we will be saying goodbye. We have had a lot of memories here and have really got to know the people on the island well.

“It’s a lovely pub and certainly popular, but we’ve been here for quite a long time now and I think it’s just the right time for us to go and spend some time relaxing.

“I have to say I won’t miss the late nights. But I hope the pub will go to a good home and that the owners will do their best to maintain our good reputation. We’ve hardly have any trouble since we’ve been here, especially for one in the high street, and I hope that will continue.”

The pub has been a focal point of the town for more than 70 years, when the majority of island was still used for agriculture and most of the roads were dirt tracks.

Since taking over the running of venue, the couple have helped organised numerous events within the community including starting up a popular disco and social night for disabled people across the borough.

The Haystack is owned by the Spirit Pub Company who run over 800 pubs across the country.

Mr Lant added: “I am very much looking forward to catching up on seven years of missed sleep.”

Anyone interested in taking over the running of the pub should contact Steve on 01268 680454.