Poole pub bosses bid emotional farewell after nine years

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Dec 16, 2022

A PUB owner and lady have thanked the ‘amazing’ community, announcing they are leaving the pub after nine years.

Moz and Tracey Tombs have been running pubs for 20 years and nine years ago took over the Foundry Arms in Lagland Street, Poole.

The couple admitted they almost threw in the towel after a few months, but have now said they had never experienced such a community at Foundry Arms.

Now, nine years later, they are moving to Spain and the AirBnB industry.

They said, “It’s just time for a change and a little fun. It was a very difficult decision emotionally.

“It’s an amazing pub and the customers are just fantastic. In 20 years we’ve never had a better pub.

“It’s become a real little community, the retirees all come for lunch and the Sunday shenanigans are our best day, it’s always crowded.

“Every time we walk into the pub now our hearts stop, we’ve held so many events from wakes to weddings so we’ve been part of their journeys as well.”

Moz and Tracey said the outpouring of love they’ve received since their departure announcement was “humiliating”.

They said it had become a military and Remembrance Day pub and a serving 17 year old as well as a 105 year old former Marine.

‘When we took over the pub it was quite run down,’ they continued. “We didn’t take into consideration that there was no traffic on the sidewalks and we almost threw in the towel.

“All of a sudden when the name came out it took off and it’s just awesome.

“We hope whoever picks it up will continue the philosophy. Everything on the wall has a story, it’s like a museum.

“We hope we can find someone who knows the pub to take it over, but everyone has to put their own stamp on it.

“We have a saying there that you come in as a stranger and leave as a friend.

“We love every single one of them and that’s the truth.

“Just want to say a big thank you to all of our loyal customers over the years and thank you for all of their help.”