TV show couple to leave Morecambe pub they transformed with 'The Hotel Inspector'

A couple who transformed a Morecambe pub with a little help from TV's 'The Hotel Inspector' have decided to move on.

Gareth and Gemma Gardner will be leaving The York in Morecambe on August 4 to enjoy family time after an eventful two years in charge.

The couple starred on hit reality TV show 'The Hotel Inspector' on Channel 5 in 2023.

A post on The York Facebook page said this week: "It's with a heavy heart this post is written.

"The time has come to say farewell to our landlord Gareth Gardner and his wife Gemma Gardner and wish them well for everything they have done.

"They will be leaving on the 4th August to enjoy family time.

"Yes Gareth will be finally getting a holiday.

"The team here at The York will be staying and working with our new landlord or landlady to keep The York the safe place it has become, a community pub supported by its locals and regulars.

"We really do wish them well and hope you join us to say goodbye."

The couple will be having a leaving party on July 26 at The York, starting at 8pm.

TV cameras from The Hotel Inspector, hosted by Alex Polizzi, visited the pub last year and the documentary aired in October 2023.

In the programme, hotelier and businesswoman Alex gives suggestions to improve hospitality businesses.

On her advice, the Lancaster Road pub had an official name change, dropping the 'Hotel' to become just The York.

She also helped the Gardners revamp their rooms, pricing and food menu.

After taking over the York in 2022, the Gardners barred more than 100 people in an effort to bring back the community and family feel to the pub.

Gareth and Gemma also had to cope with a fire at the York just months after they officially took over.

Read more: Morecambe landlady's "massive relief" as pub set to reopen after fire - Beyond Radio

Gareth said on Monday: "To all regulars and locals, to Beyond Radio, and Alex and all the lovely people who've messaged us from all over the world, we just want to say thank you for believing in us and for your support, and we hope we did right by the community."

Gareth and Gemma met while they were both in the British Army, when Gareth was Gemma's physical training instructor.

They are pictured below on a visit to Beyond Radio last year, which was filmed for The Hotel Inspector programme.

Read more: Beyond Radio appears on The Hotel Inspector on Channel 5 - Beyond Radio