MyNewPub

The King William IV, Mickleham, Surrey

Agent - Guy Simmonds

Ian and Liz Duke both left high-powered sales jobs to buy the King William IV - which they took over five weeks ago. The couple had an investment in a freehouse 20 years-ago, but the King William IV is the first pub they have run.

And they certainly did their homework finding the most

suitable pub - the Dukes scoured the south coast up to the Surrey hills looking at over 20 pubs, the majority of which were in Dorset. "It was the fantastic views out over the Mole Valley that attracted us to the pub, as well as the quality of the food and real ales," Ian said.

The pub is very much food-led, with food sales accounting for 70% of the business. The previous owners Chris and

Jenny Grist ran the pub for 15 years and sold it to retire - their son, Matthew, still works at the pub as head chef.

The freehold of the inn was purchased off an asking price of £725,000 through agent Guy Simmonds. The pub's gross sales average £411,000.

The Dukes are planning to re-decorate the pub in February, and will knock through the wall of two adjoining bars to create an archway between the two rooms.

"We won't change the direction of the pub, though," Ian said. "We're very keen to maintain its emphasis on good food. Customers can only book half the tables and we will keep it this way so that passers-by can pop in for a meal without booking."