Owners of Grade II-listed pub and wedding venue make big announcement on its future It has garnered a reputation for its quaint surroundings and is also one of the top-rated venues in the area The owners of the popular White Bull pub and wedding venue have made a big announcement over its future (Image: The White Bull ) The owners of a top-rated pub and wedding venue near Greater Manchester have announced they will be stepping down from the business. The White Bull, which is located on Church Street in Ribchester, Preston, is located within the beautiful Ribble Valley and offers bespoke countryside views, alongside being situated opposite original weavers cottages and within walking distance of numerous Roman ruins. ‌ The building of the Lancashire venue itself dates back to 1707 and, in its past life, has previously served as both an alehouse and a courthouse. ‌ The Grade II-listed inn has a number of unique sandstone features, alongside two pairs of Doric columns which are said to have originated from a fallen Roman fort which was later recovered from the River Ribble. Due to its historical aesthetic and surroundings, it has been hailed as a popular wedding venue and pub - receiving a number of accolades and a positive 4.6 rating on TripAdvisor. The pub building dates back to 1707 and was recently renovated eight years ago (Image: The White Bull ) Article continues below Customers have hailed the pub for its 'high-quality, tasty, and varied food' along with its 'warm and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by stylish and quaint decor', reports Lancashire Live. But in a post on social media this week, pub bosses, including landlord Julie Gainford, said they "have now decided to make a choice, that family comes first" as they confirmed they are now looking to find a buyer to take over. They also moved to assure people with future wedding and party bookings that these "will be honoured" and praised all the "amazing people" over the years for their support. ‌ The full statement posted on Thursday (May 1) said: "Anyone that knows myself and Dee will know that we have had a lot going on in our family, and have now decided to make a choice, that family comes first. We know our "friends and family" totally support us in our decision. The Grade II-listed inn has a number of unique sandstone features, alongside two pairs of Doric columns (Image: The White Bull ) "We will still offer great food and service until a buyer for the business comes forward, and as a team we will all support who ever decides to take on our fabulous business, and know as a community you will all welcome them with open arms. ‌ "We would like to reassure you all that any future wedding bookings and party bookings etc, will remain the same, and will be honoured with the same professionalismthat our amazing team provide. "You are all amazing people and we have made some loyal and kind friends whilst working here at The Whitebull, who will continue to be very good friends long after we are gone. In the meantime we look forward to meeting more amazing new ones! Julie & Dee." Commenting on the post, Barbara Graham wrote: "Really sorry to hear this and hope that things work out for you. We have always enjoyed our visits to you. We hope that we can still remain friends and continue to meet up and see you. Love & best wishes." ‌ The pub has been praised for its 'high-quality, tasty, and varied food' (Image: The White Bull ) Jane Johnson said: "So sorry to read this, you have always made us feel most welcome. But you need to do what is right for you. You will be missed." Sarah Naylor commented: "Very sad to hear this. This is our favourite pub in the village which will forever hold special memories for our family. ALL the staff at The White Bull Hotel, Ribchester made our wedding so special but especially Julie and Jeanette who were so organised and made everything tick like clockwork. Article continues below “You and Dee will be missed but you have to do what’s right for you and I totally get it. Best of luck to you both and I hope you find a buyer soon so that you can move on with life." Sue Gregory added: "So sorry to hear this but wishing you both all the very best in your next adventure."