REGULARS at the Venture Inn are hoping for a more settled future under a new licensee. Randall’s Brewery this week evicted tenants Adrian and Tracey Gallienne. They are due to leave on 8 October, having only taken over in May.

The Royal Court heard that the couple had built up rent arrears and arrears in their trade account of more than £6,300.

A long-standing regular, who did not wish to be named, said the once-popular pub had gone steadily downhill since May.

‘When the Galliennes first started out in the build-up to the World Cup, they seemed like great people, full of enthusiasm, but that soon changed and they have seemed to take less and less interest in the place ever since,’ he said.

‘Several once-loyal locals have abandoned the pub to drink elsewhere. All the atmosphere it had has gone.’

The court was told that the couple, who signed the lease on the pub on 9 May, were twice summonsed to appear in court but did not appear.

Advocate Mark Dunster said that an apology had been made about the debts and the brewery had been told that money owed would be paid by 31 August. But when payment did not arrive, a summons was issued followed by a notice to quit.

A letter was then sent to the brewery saying that money would be paid by 8 October.

Mrs Gallienne told the Guernsey Press this week that the couple had given notice that they would leave the pub and pay their debts by 8 October.

She was surprised that the eviction had been pursued. She blamed the smoking ban for a decline in trade.

Nobody from Randall’s was available for comment.

It is understood that Jerry Allen, well-known chef and entertainer, will be taking over at the Venture.