Bridgnorth landlord is heading south – to Australia

But on Sunday the landlord of the River and Rail Country Inn, in Hampton Loade, will call last orders for the final time before retiring to be with his family in Australia.

Daughter Melissa lives with her husband and two daughters in the small outback town of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.

But in October the school nurse will be moving 1,266 miles to Adelaide, in South Australia.

"Although she works as a nurse she's known as the school doctor because the area is so remote," said Mr Browning, 72.

He said that he still hoped to sell the premises as a pub but admitted after receiving little interest over nine months there was still a chance it could be turned into houses.

He said: "The pub will close its doors for the final time at 6pm on Sunday.

"After 39 years I'm now looking to retire to join my daughter in the Australian sunshine.

"The River and Rail has been on the market for nine months as a going concern but has failed to sell due to four years of commercial downturn and general recession.

"If I was younger I would plough another £200,000 into the business because I know it would be a huge success again.

"We had a great summer but the months either side were very slow. I have put in planning permission to return the pub back to a private residence.

"S some lucky person will enjoy its perfect location."

Mr Browning took over the property as a house in 1975 but after seeing potential in the site he opened the Haywain restaurant, which remained a successful business until 2000, when it was renamed the River and Rail Country Inn.

He said: "It became really well known for its views over the River Severn and its easy access to the famous Hampton Loade ferry.

"But it's now time for me to spend more time with my family.

"My staff and I would like to thank everyone from the Bridgnorth, Shropshire and the Black Country areas, old and new, for returning to the establishment year in, year out."