Pony Inn changing hands

Monday 11 July 2022

The Pony Inn will be changing hands this Friday (15 July) to allow the current licensee to spend more time with his family.

Ben Corson has been running the bar and restaurant for the last 13 years with his father, Colin. Ben took over as full licensee of the eatery in Les Petites Capelles five years ago, when Colin semi-retired.

“Running The Pony Inn has been a lifestyle, not a job. It’s something I always wanted to do and it’s second nature, but it no longer fits in with my life,” said Ben. 

“I have a six-month-old daughter, Edi, and working 80 to 90 hours a week just isn’t sustainable anymore so I’m going to take some time out and focus on being a dad.”

Pictured: The Pony Inn has an outdoor eating area for its patrons. 

Ben is set to get married in a month’s time. 

“When we were planning the wedding, I didn’t think I’d be able to take time off for a honeymoon; I haven’t had a full two weeks off in the last 13 years,” he said. 

“I’m excited that I’ll be able to go on honeymoon, I don’t know where we’re going yet so I’m looking forward to getting everything sorted.”

The new licensee, Kevin Buckley, will take over the lease on Friday [15 July], with no interruption of service to patrons. 

“Kevin has a huge amount of experience, so I know it’s [The Pony Inn] going to be in safe hands and he’ll hit the ground running,” said Ben. 

“I’ve said that I’ll be on hand if he needs anything because there are so many nuts and bolts to go through that it would be impossible to do a full handover in a week. Mostly I’ll leave him to it though because it wouldn’t be fair to be hovering around.

“I wish him all the best with it and hope he sees continued success.”

Pictured: There will be no disruption to service when the new licensee takes over on Friday. 

In a social media post, Ben called running The Pony Inn “an experience of a lifetime”.

“The Pony Inn was my baby and I’ve put in blood, sweat and tears over the years to keep everything running smoothly,” he said. 

“It’s been challenging but incredibly enjoyable at the same time and the fact that we have such a good reputation and loyal customers is a testament to all the hours we put in.”

The social media post has been shared more than 60 times, with nearly 300 reactions. The restaurant has a five-star rating on Facebook. 

Pictured: Ben Corson said that running The Pony Inn for the last 13 years has been "a lifestyle, not a job". 

“I saw that it [the post] has reached 10,000 people and it’s really nice to see all the positive comments and well-wishers,” said Ben. 

“It’s nice to know that all the hard work has been appreciated and that it was not for nothing.

“It’s been a great experience, but now I’m looking forward to being able to take some time out, spend more time with my daughter and enjoy my wedding and honeymoon.”