New owners are behind the bar at what is one of the oldest public houses in one of the most beautiful parts of Britain.

Now many pubs can offer you parking in England, in the Forest of Dean, before you cross to the bar via an old viaduct, but The Boat Inn does that.

Landlady since 2006, Shaleen Goodman, has decided to call time after "considerable investment" in the business and its buildings, also known for its beautiful gardens in what is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ms Goodman is now looking to retire and relocate to France after the inn was sold to Debbie Burch, described as an experienced local pub owner from nearby Chepstow

"We have enjoyed our time at the helm of the Boat Inn and we are now looking forward to a new adventure in France," said Ms Goodman.

"We wish Debbie all the best for the future and thank Corrina Jones at Christie & Co for all of her help in finding us the right buyer and pushing the deal through."

Christie & Co handled the sale, with funding secured through specialist commercial finance broker, Christie Finance.

Corrina Jones, the business agent at Christie & Co who handled the sale, said: "Shaleen has worked diligently to maintain the charm and ambience of the property throughout her time running The Boat Inn and has built up a fabulous business with a loyal client base."

Ms Burch said: "The plans for the future are to carry on running The Boat with the same team of staff.

"I will be looking at introducing a new range of locally sourced food for the menu and keep everything very simple but with great ingredients, along with offering local wines and spirits.

"Providing accommodation in the future will also be important for me, to encourage the tourism side of things."