Family toast 25 years of innkeeping

1:39pm Thursday 20th November 2008

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A GROUP of hop farmers who bought an historic county inn are about to celebrate a milestone.

The Clift family will be the toast of Knightwick on November 29, when they celebrate 25 years in charge of The Talbot.

The family bought the 15th century building near Bromyard in 1983, despite having no experience of the hospitality trade.

They sold their land to finance the deal and used their hops and experience to start the in-house Teme Valley brewery.

Both are going strong 25 years on – the inn has won several awards, while the brewery range is found throughout the Midlands.

Annie Clift, landlord, had only intended to run the inn for five years, but is unlikely to call time at the bar anytime soon.

“It’s the regulars that make it,” said Annie.

“We’re here because we’ve got a good local following and the regulars like us.

“But we are also an inn, which in my terminology means we are here for the community and that’s how it’s always been.”

The Talbot – which also offers work experience to secondary school pupils – is holding a party on Saturday, November 29.

Food will be served throughout the day, while local morris men and folk groups will also perform.

For more details, call 01886 821235.