The local family has owned the hotel for more than seven years, but has now passed the reins to Tamworth Hotel owners Luke Prout and Dan Whitten, and are moving to Newcastle.

Publicans Chris and Kim Gibbs said their patrons and staff have become their “family” and it would be hard to say goodbye.

“It’s a family-owned business, so whoever comes in the door is treated like family,” Mrs Gibbs said.

“It’s like a big lounge room in your house.”

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The pair said they made the decision to sell so they could spend more time with their own family members.

“Family time was a real consideration because in this business you’re really tied [down],” Mr Gibbs said.

“We’ve been here seven years, so now we want to make more time for the family.”

Mrs Gibbs said they had managed to balance the two but now it was time to focus on their personal lives.

“We’ve always tried to work the hotel around the kids, and it’s been tough but it worked out pretty well,” she said.

When the Gibbs bought the hotel it was called the Regal Hotel, and with the help of Kim’s parents Paul and Lexie Morrison, they completely renovated the pub and turned it into a family-owned business.

“Our goal when we first bought the hotel was to make it more friendly to family and visitors,” Mr Gibbs said.

“It was known as more of a night club than a place all of the community could come to.

“We changed the name and we really did change a lot about the hotel.”

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They have continued to update the hotel over the years, with a new sports bar and a greater focus on accommodation and food.

“We [also] really got the accommodation steaming in the last two years, that’s been very satisfying,” he said.

“Doing projects and improving the place has been the most challenging and rewarding part.”

The Gibbs said they were thankful to all their patrons for supporting their business.

“Thanks for welcoming us to the community ... We’ve made brilliant friends, and had wonderful staff,” Mrs Gibbs said.

“[We will] certainly try to visit, I’m sure we’ll pop back on some weekends.”

All of the current staff have been offered positions under the new owners, and some new positions will also be introduced.

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