A COUPLE have taken up residence at one of Swindon’s best-known pubs after their children told them to make the move so they could use the large play area.

Andy and Julie Moss have taken over The Sun Inn at Coate Water, which serves visitors to the park as well as people entering and leaving the town via the M4.

They will continue a long tradition dating back to the 1700s, when an ale house stood on the site – but history played little part in the family’s decision. The landlords, who have also run another Arkell’s premises for years, say it’s all the fault of their children Euan and Liberty, who wanted to move to a pub with the best children’s play area.

Julie said: “After running The White Hart at Whitchurch in Hampshire for nine years we were ready for a bigger challenge, so when we heard from Arkell’s that The Sun at Coate Water in Swindon was becoming available we came up to have a look – without mentioning to the children why we were dropping in.”

It took seconds for the children to discover the play area and the big garden, and when they heard it was next to Swindon’s Coate Water Country Park they didn’t give their parents a minute’s peace until the decision was made.

Andy and Julie are also thrilled. “It’s already a wonderful, busy pub with lots of regular customers,” said Julie.

“We’re open all day and now for breakfasts too – we’re offering free toast with coffee before 11am.”

Brewery director George Arkell said: “Andy and Julie are fantastic landlords and we were thrilled that they have taken over at The Sun. “In the summer, it’s one of our busiest Swindon pubs. In the winter it’s cosy and easily accessible, but whatever the weather, there’s always a sunny welcome, and we know that Euan and Liberty will be out in the all-weather play area rain or shine.”