Award-winning licensee Mitch Adams puts his Essex pub up for sale

Adams, who has been at the pub since 2006, explained that he wants to leave the pub whilst he is still enjoying it, and possibly going on to work within a company – something he misses because “you can bounce ideas off other people”.

He said: “When we took the place on, it was on a long lease and we have worked hard to build the place up. Hopefully we can get something reasonable for the place. I don’t know how long it will take to sell, it may take a while. We’re just testing the water.

“I still love the Thatchers, and I haven’t got anything lined up for the future yet but I love new projects and challenges.”

Adams added: “I’d probably want to get into more craft beer as we struggle to do it here because we’re a bit out of the way. I’ll definitely be moving further south if we get a good price for the pub. It will enable more involvement in the craft beer market. But I am open to anything.

“I don’t want to start a brewery, but I would love to work for other people. One thing I miss about working for a company (he used to work for Mitchells & Butlers) is bouncing ideas off other people. Something at the back of my head is saying, ‘you might be able to learn more in a company’.

“I’ve no idea what I’ll do at the moment and I have no intention starting anything until everything is sorted here.” He made clear that he will endeavour to manage the handover well, wanting to take care of staff and the locals.

The free-of-tie site is up for sale through Guy Simmonds for £120,000, with rent of £34,000.