A FAMILY is celebrating 20 years as landlords of a popular village pub and restaurant. On May 22, 1989, Charles and Debbie Davis took over the Rose and Crown, moving in with their two young sons, Glenn and Mark. 'When we first came here,

A FAMILY is celebrating 20 years as landlords of a popular village pub and restaurant.

On May 22, 1989, Charles and Debbie Davis took over the Rose and Crown in Essendon, moving in with their two young sons, Glenn and Mark.

"When we first came here, it was just a tired old pub," said Debbie. "It took us 10 years to build this place into what it is."

Today, the High Road establishment is not only a popular social hub for the villagers of Essendon, but a successful restaurant that attracts customers from far and wide.

"I'm not sure how you can survive these days without serving food," said Charles, 49.

Surviving has proved difficult for many pubs across the country, but with more than 30 years in the industry, Debbie feels she is well placed to see the current economic downturn through.

"We've already been through one recession," she said. "I'm sure we can fight our way through another!"

Nowadays, Charles and Debbie take more of a back seat in the day-to-day running of the pub.

Mark, 24, is now general manager, while older brother Glenn, 26, a chartered account, manages the finances.

"We're a family-run free house," said Debbie. "That's very important to us."

For more information, contact the Rose and Crown on 01707 261229.