Long-time owners of Winton's Middle Pub say they've been "inundated" with messages from well wishers around the world after deciding to sell the business.

Winton's Central Southland Lodge, or "Middle Pub", will change hands from long-time owners John ("Chub") and Nancy McHugh to Auckland owners next month.

The McHughs have owned the business for the last 28 years. While they weren't actively looking for a buyer when they were approached, Mr McHugh said the couple knew the time for retirement was coming. 

The two were pleased the new owners had given current staff the opportunity to apply when they took over on June 17. 

"Over 28 years, staff's been one of our greatest assets and I can't speak highly enough of the staff. It's been very much like extended family to us. We're on second and third generations of the same family that are working for us or have worked for us, so the staff-side of it is very important," Mr McHugh said. 

Mr McHugh said he had been "inundated" with messages from people across New Zealand and abroad wishing the two well as they move into retirement. 

That ranged from cyclists from the Tour of Southland, an event the lodge has been involved with for the last 28 years, to hospitality colleagues from across New Zealand to supplier representatives to former staff.

"We've got staff all around the world now. [I] received a very nice email this morning from Scotland from one of our ex-staff. It's great the power of social media how it gets around so quick."

The end of the era meant Mr McHugh had time to look back on almost three decades of memories, from visits from politicians of all parties to former All Blacks pouring beer behind the bar.

"There is just so many things that have happened that we sort of took for granted. Now you sit back and think about it and say to yourself, 'Wow, there's been a fair bit [that's happened] here over those 28 years.'"

The couple will continue to live in Winton and maintain their wide-ranging involvement with the community groups, such as the Winton Lions Club.

Mrs McHugh was the first female president of the Winton Lions Club and is still a club member. Mr McHugh was a former chairman and member of the Winton Community Board, is a life member of the Southland branch of Hospitality New Zealand, and director of the Borland Lodge Youth Adventure Trust, among others.