The landlords of a popular Darlington pub have announced they will be stepping down from the venue this year after citing rising costs.

The Mowden Pub in Darlington has been transformed into a 'friendly local' after husband-and-wife team Simon and Rachel Leadbetter took over back in 2016. 

However, the pair has now revealed that they will be departing the venue on Staindrop Road, due to the running costs and issues arising from their tenancy agreement.

Read more: Worries over state of former Eden Arms Hotel in County Durham

After six happy years of happily running the pub, Simon and Rachel were made aware that pub company Stonegate Group planned to take back control of the venue in 2024.

Initially, the couple planned to continue running the pub up until that point, however rising costs made the decision for them.

The pair will now remain at the pub until the end of June. 

In a statement, they said: "It was our plan to stay until our lease expired in 2024.

"However, given the current business climate with unprecedented food and drink costs, soaring utility bills, increased staffing costs, rent increases and VAT post covid the pressure on us as a business to try and bridge the gap between affordability for our customers whilst sustaining profitability as a business is an increasingly difficult task to achieve.

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"Taking all this into account we have made the difficult decision to exercise our notice period of six months and leave The Mowden at the end of June 2023 rather than the inevitable date in 2024."

Following the decision for the couple to step down, customers have expressed their disappointment, with one person saying: "Really upset to hear this news, all credit to you guys for making the Mowden a ‘must go to’ venue.

Another customer said: "What a shock to read this. You have done so much to bring The Mowden from where it was to where it is now. You worked so hard during covid for our community. We will miss you and I don't think it will be the same without you"