Historic 17th Century pub in Needham Market is up for sale as landlords plan to retire

A historic pub reopened this week serving meals to the public for the first time in five months.

But for the owners of The Lion in Needham Market, it was a bittersweet moment.

Martin and Marisa Hookham have run The Lion, on Ipswich Road for 36 years.They first worked there as relief managers before buying the lease in 1984 and its also where their children, Zoe, 27, and Zara, 19, grew up.

Over the years, the pub, which dates back to the early 17th Century, has seen thousands of customers pass through its doors and even until recently had clientele from as far away as Colchester, Felixstowe and Norwich.

Last October, the couple decided after working non-stop, seven days a week, they wanted to retire. So they put the pub up for sale.

Five people came to view before the country went into lockdown.

“Like all pubs we had to close and put all of our plans, including retirement, on hold,” said Martin, 64.

“The pandemic halted everything and so we have worked non-stop instead doing the pub up, inside and out.

“It’s certainly not the best time to sell a pub but life is often full of surprises, so you never know.”

The Lion is on the market for £795,000 freehold. The pub opened in 1618 as the Cock, was renamed the Three Feathers in 1673, then became then Red Lion in 1682. Post 1811, it was owned Cliff Brewery and the current name dates from 1900.

“We have repainted throughout, have new carpets and given it a fresh new look,” said Marisa, 59.

“All our customers are begging us not to go but we really want some time off to enjoy ourselves,”

“Martin wants to do more clay pigeon shooting and guitar playing and I’m looking forward to reading a good book.We have loved our time here and gained many many friends.”

The Lion is on the market at www.guysimmonds.co.uk