Licensees' lease saved after heartwarming campaign from regulars

Bob and Maz Forster, licensees at the Queen’s Head, Titchfield, met Enterprise hoping for a renewal last December.

After a period of uncertainty, three weeks ago Enterprise informed them the pub would be changed to a managed site.

Bob Forster said the couple were “devastated”.

But the community rallied around the beloved licensees, and created a petition which gained 460 signatures.

A week later Enterprise offered the Forsters a new five year lease extension.

“It’s heartening to see the customers really appreciate it, we were overwhelmed. They’re not just customers, they’re friends,” Forster said.

The couple had given up on their chances to keep the lease after negotiations taking a turn for the worst, but their customers persevered.

The licensees have run the “community hub” since 2008, and it’s not the first time regulars have gone the extra mile to help.

“A couple of years ago I had a heart attack, and they were helping out, shifting barrels for me,” Forster explained.

“They’re heart-warming people. And we care for them too.”

The Forsters run the Queen’s Head with their two sons and two daughters-in-law.

“You know if you’re served a drink it’ll be from one of the family, and that’s what makes is special,” Forster added.

The 65-year-old said the new lease means he will be able to retire on his own terms, rather than when his lease runs out.

Fareham MP Suella Fernandes also got behind the campaign to keep Bob and Maz as licensees, and said it was a “huge relief” to see them stay.

Enterprise said the licensees were offered a deal in March, but an agreement could not be met. After further discussions recently, the pubco and publicans agreed a deal.

A spokesperson for the pubco said: “We are very pleased to be able to confirm that we have reached agreement for Mr and Mrs Forster to remain at The Queen’s Head. This has always been our preferred outcome, and one we believe is in the best interests of the residents of Titchfield, Mr and Mrs Forster and their family, and Enterprise Inns.

“We received a number of expressions of support for Mr and Mrs Forster from Titchfield residents, which were both heart-warming and much appreciated.”