Fordingbridge: Owners of the Fighting Cocks pub quit after 21 years

Lyn, 59, and Tim, 55, Eyre first opened the pub on June 4, 2001, but have decided that now is the time to move on.

The Fighting Cocks, at Godshill in Fordingbridge, was built in 1927 and since then had been a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and horse riders on a day out in the New Forest.

The Fighting Cocks. Picture by Spencer Mulholland (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

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Lyn told the Journal that the couple's lease had come to an end and she wants to have a "change of lifestyle", adding: "With everything going up we decided now would be a good time to draw a line under it."

Lyn and Tim Eyre. (Image: The Fighting Cocks)

The pub will not be closing.

Lyn said that Country Inns Southern, which owns eight other pubs in the forest, will be taking over ownership.

In their time at the pub, the couple raised their 21-year-old son who a lot of customers have seen grow up throughout the years.

"It's been a bit of a bumpy road sometimes but on the whole, it has been good," Lyn added.

She wanted to thank all staff, past and present, as well as her "wonderful" customers who have supported the couple throughout their 21 years.

Tim and Lyn Eyre inside The Fighting Cocks in Fordingbridge (Image: Lyn Eyre)