We moved our parents to France to run an English-themed pub

Many people have at one time or another dreamed of leaving their old life behind and swapping it for something completely different.

Whether it is wanting to leave the corporate rat race or seeking new adventures in far-flung parts, the temptation to start all over again can be strong.

For one couple, the dream became a reality after they sold their Somerset home, packed up their belongings and moved to France - each with a parent - to open an English-themed pub.

Neal Hensley, who welcomed his first customers with his wife Claire in April, said: "We sit in the evening, watch the sunset and have a glass of wine and think, this is what we came for, to get that work-life balance."

Speaking from the pub, situated in the Gers department of south west France, Claire, 52, said they had often spoken about the idea, but a change in family circumstances prompted them to take the plunge.

"Christmas 2024 we lost my mum quite suddenly and my dad couldn't live on his own, so he went into care.

"It's a lonely life when you're mentally OK and it's just physical.

"So after a year or so, we thought, 'you know what, there's more to life for both of us than work in a corporate world, so let's start looking into it'," she said.

The pair researched Italy and Spain before settling on France and set off to the country in a motorhome in September.

Neal, 59, said initially the couple found it hard to believe their dream could be realised.

"It was a really surreal experience because the first few properties we looked at, we just paid lip service to the estate agent.

"We were shaking our heads from the moment we got there and thinking this is not going to work," he said.

But the couple then found a property in Margouët-Meymes with views over the Pyrénnées mountains and were sold.

"We realised that we can run this. We can make a business out of it and we can give our respective parent that we have with us a much better quality of life," he said.

The Boar's Head Inn is situated on a campsite in the hills of Gascogny - an area known for its wines, Armagnac, duck, foie gras and cheese.

The Hensleys, however, have kept an English theme for the pub, which sells British ales and ciders and serves food including a traditional Sunday roast.

"Our biggest selling dish is actually fish and chips followed by a curry, so it's really staple British pub food," said Neal.

The couple said they worked hard but the shared endeavour made it worth it.

"We're used to working quite long hours for businesses in the past and all we're doing is switching that to a new life for us," said Claire.

"It can be quite challenging at times, like getting suppliers, but you're not on your own because there's two of us," she added.

The village of Margouët-Meymes has fewer than 200 residents but there is a mayor who holds an important position in the community.

"You have to introduce yourself to the mayor and make them happy that you're taking over the business, which she was," said Claire.

"So, it's a lot more about building up the community and including the locals.

"We went up to the square on Easter Monday and we were told by a guy who does the fresh oysters that we've been talked about in the village now, so people know we've arrived.

"We're getting people popping in for a pint to meet us," she said.

"It's a much slower pace of life, people aren't rushing and everyone wants to say hello," added Neal.

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