A chance encounter in a pub led to a lifelong dream coming true for one couple, and an opportunity to retire for another, knowing the business they built over 22 years was going to be in safe hands.

Little did Lauren Hammond and Lee Mcglachie know when they started chatting to Nic and Trish Butler in the Butt & Oyster last September that would be a life changing conversation.

Lee explained: "This has been a dream for us and we decided to take the leap after a really random conversation with Trish and Nic in the Butt & Oyster.

"I have driven past this garage multiple times and always thought I would love to own it one day.

"We were down the Butt & Oyster one Sunday afternoon having a roast and Nic and Trish came in and sat on the table next to us and as Lauren knew Trish we were soon chatting away.

"I mentioned how cool their garage was and she asked us 'Do you want it?' and I just said - YES."

Proud new owners Lee and Lauren (Picture: Nub News)

That was the start of the transfer and a flurry of emails, deal agreed, contracts signed and before they knew it Lee and Lauren were bidding farewell to the Auto-Shack business near Woodbridge, which Lee was at for 13 years, and moving in to the Corner Garage.

There is also lovely symmetry about the change over with Nic and Trish leaving 22 years to the day they took over, when they were around the same ages as Lee and Lauren today.

"We know we have very big boots to fill," said Lee. "We plan to keep the Corner Garage name and everything will be pretty much to same although we will be adding a modern twist to things."

That modern twist includes dealing with higher end cars, so expect to see more Ferraris, Porches and Lamborghinis, winding their way down the B1456 from their loyal Woodbridge-based customers.

Lee, who was trained mainly on German cars, BMWs, Volkswagens and the like, added: "We have more in depth diagnostics, and we have injected cleaning, which is the only place in Suffolk to do that, and it is becoming more popular.

"We also do more carbon cleaning too, especially for the German cars."

They will also be joined by mechanic Ronnie Cork, also BMW trained, who has moved with them from Auto-Shack.

As we'll as the fabulous olde world style facade with the work shops, fuel pumps and immaculately maintained frontage, Lee and Lauren have inherited mechanic and MOT tester Tom Gardner who has been at Corner Garage for 12 year.

"Tom is a massive asset to the place," said Lee. "It gives people that extra bit of reassurance because they know him from here. He just knows everything and he seems really nice lad too.

"I'm so glad he agreed to stay on."

Not only was it the ideal business move, but as the couple live in Harkstead with teenage daughter Honor, it is ideal personally too.

Lauren, now 33, is a Chelmondiston girl originally, went to Holbrook school with the Butlers' daughter Rachel, while 43-year-old Lee grew up in Wherstead Road.

Lauren believes having that extra connection with the many people they know on the peninsula all be an extra boost, as they retain the customer base built up by Nic and Trish, but also keeping some of their loyal customers from Woodbridge area.

Lauren said: "The reaction so far has been very positive. We know a lot of people and it has been good this week with the pumps being open and we have been able to chat to people and introduce ourselves."

Lauren Hammond, front of house (Picture: Nub News)

Outside work the couple can be seen walking the dog around the peninsula, and going to peninsula pub. Lee also enjoys going to the gym, playing tennis and riding motorbikes.

Lauren is more a home girl, but can be seen occasionally helping out behind the bar at the Kings Head in Stutton, along with Honor, who might soon be pumping fuel in Shotley - if her parents can persuade her.

The couple admit actually working together full time for the first time was a consideration but again, Trish and Nic reassured them about how to make it work, and they should know.

Lauren laughed: "Trish does a lot of yoga so perhaps she is a bit Zen, but they have been brilliant. She thinks we are very similar to how they're when they started.

"It is a big responsibility but we believe in ourselves."

Dream come true for Lee Mcglachie (Picture: Nub News)

The Corner Garage officially reopens today (Monday, April 8) after a hectic week of moving in.

Lee added: "It has been challenging but well worth it.

"We are now start enjoying it, making those fine tweaks and sorting out as I vision it to be.

"I love the aesthetics, the outside, it is very lovely, quirky, village garage but I want to modernise the inside."

Another new addition will be Cavapoo Jeff who will be the fluffy, friendly workshop dog ready to greet customers.

Booking are now being taken so get in touch on the same Corner Garage number: 01473 787261

Nic and Trish - community award winners