AFTER eight years in business at The Victoria pub in Old Town, David Young and Anna Sprawson will soon be pulling their last pints.

David, 51 and Anna, 55, of Old Walcot, who run the popular music venue and bar, have announced they are selling the business.

They have confirmed that despite this, all gigs that are booked will go ahead as planned.

David said: "It will be sad leaving but we have been here eight years now and we have worked harder and harder ever year.

"We want a break. We commit our whole lives to this, we're here every day.

"Every year it has been getting busier. It is growing and growing. Whoever buys this place is buying a really good business.

“This is some people’s dream, as it was ours. I got to meet some of my idols.”

The couple also used to run the 12Bar until three years ago, where they hosted hundreds of acts including The Damned, which David said was one of his highlights.

During their time at the venue the couple have hosted gigs from numerous artists including Ed Sheeran, Newton Faulkner, The Hoosiers and The Wombats.

Tribute acts, original bands and artists, comedy and theatre are also popular acts there.

They currently have bookings running right through until the end of December.

Upcoming gigs include tribute band Kings Ov Leon tomorrow, Kate Bush Tribute – Never Forever on Sunday, and a Pink Floyd Tribute – Just Floyd on Saturday, March 2.

“All gigs that are booked will be honoured at the deal already agreed and everything will continue as normal,” said David. “We will only be selling the Vic to somebody who will continue supporting live music.

“It has to stay as a music venue. This is something different in Old Town.”

Anna said: “We have been talking about exit plans and it just seemed like the right thing to do for both of us.

“We hope the next people who run it put their own stamp on it.

“People say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it – but by some token they have to put their own personality into it.”

David is hoping to continue working as a sound engineer and help with promotions at the venue.

The leasehold is £250,000 and the business has a turnover of £561,802 Anybody who is interested in buying The Vic should email thevicswindon@aol.com or contact the agent by visiting www.sidneyphillips.co.uk