Great Billing couple celebrate 39 years at the helm of The Elwes Arms

Since taking over the reins on December 15, 1986, Ange and Steve have etched their names into the long and proud history of this 16th-century public house, becoming its longest-serving publicans. Arriving with two young children – soon to be three – they could never have imagined that what began as a leap of faith would turn into nearly four decades of dedication, warmth and community spirit.

Their journey to The Elwes Arms was, in many ways, written in fate. When Steve was once asked by a brewery representative whether he had considered running a pub, he admitted he hadn’t – but if he ever did, there was only one he wanted: his local, The Elwes Arms.

Initially dismissed as an unlikely possibility, that dream soon became reality, and Great Billing has been richer for it ever since.

Over the years, Ange and Steve have balanced life behind the bar with careers and family life away from it – Steve building a broadcasting career that spanned almost three decades, and Ange working for the Children’s Trust while raising their family.

Yet through it all, The Elwes Arms remained a constant: a place of laughter, conversation and shared memories. From lively quiz nights and memorable events to quiet heart-to-heart chats over a pint, few village stories haven’t passed through its doors.

Their commitment extends well beyond hospitality. Together with their staff and loyal customers, Ange and Steve have helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity, supporting causes such as Wizz Kidz, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Children in Need, defibrillator initiatives and countless local fundraisers. Their efforts have strengthened the bonds of the community and embodied everything a village pub should stand for.

That dedication has also been reflected in the care shown to the building itself. Recent years have seen the Elwes Arms sympathetically restored, including the re-thatching of its roof for only the second time in a century, preserving its historic character for future generations. The pub’s importance was further recognised when it was officially designated an Asset of Community Value, underlining just how vital it is to village life.

As Ange and Steve celebrate 39 years of service, the message from Great Billing is one of heartfelt thanks and congratulations. Their warmth, resilience and unwavering commitment have made The Elwes Arms not just a pub, but a second home to so many.

Here’s to Ange and Steve Marsh – 39 years in, and still at the heart of it all.