“Everything was rushed. I submitted my application on Wednesday. I received the keys on Friday. I opened the pub on Monday. It was an eventful five days.

Owen thanked former owners, husband and wife Victoria Dutton and David Brown, for the work they put into running the Masons Arms and for their ongoing support as Owen attempts to make the pub his own. He said: “All credit to them: they have made it a really successful place with nice people and they have been fantastic to me.

“As it’s a very traditional pub, the people who come here are a lot older. I add my own little touch. I’ve tried to give more reasons for young people to come here, like students coming back to Southport. I added board games and a more eclectic music selection, as much as I like stuff from the 70s and 80s.”

However, Owen is keen to retain what makes the Masons Arms unique, saying changing habits will help maintain its established selling points, as more and more young people opt for a cozy evening at the pub instead of a disco. He said: “It’s a very cozy little traditional pub.

“It’s a real dominated beer. We have a very cozy fire which makes it perfect for winter. Old man is cool now. More and more vintage beers are being produced. It’s no longer just about nightclubs and bars.

“A lot of regulars wear makeup. They thought it might change too much but as soon as they saw me behind the bar, they were delighted. I had a good support network from Tap and Bottles and Guest House. The more ads like this, the better. I don’t see it as a competition.

Owen will also retain its unique drinks selection, which includes a range of real ales, pale ales and continental beers. The business is not without its challenges for Owen, however. He says recruiting staff has always been difficult wherever he has worked and adds that possible increases in social security contributions and alcohol taxes in tomorrow’s budget I feel a little “intimidating”. He added: “As the famous saying goes, use it before you lose it. These ads won’t be around forever. More and more are closing every day.

Nonetheless, Owen is relishing the future. As far as he knows he is the youngest pub owner in the town, beating out the owner of The Windmill who was 26 when they took it over. He reckons his long-standing interest in what makes a pub great stands him in good stead. He said: “I’ve worked in the industry all my life and always wanted to run a pub.

“British pub culture has always been fascinating to me. It’s not just a place to get drunk. It’s a social pub. If you’re having a good day, go for it. If you’re having a bad day, go for it. Bartenders are counselors, they are therapists.

“I always liked it. When I started, I fell in love with them. Working in this field is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s a huge amount of work but at the same time, it doesn’t feel like work. I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around doing something like this.