A community-owned pub is to close temporarily after the tenant’s lease was cancelled.
Skeeby Community Pub Society (SCPS), which runs The Travellers Rest in Skeeby, says the venue will close for a short time ahead of its reopening by a temporary tenant.
The pub has been run by local businessman Chris Wallace, who also runs Richmond Brewing Company, since its reopening in May.
In a statement issued this morning, SCPS said board members had been “working tirelessly alongside the tenant to try and overcome various issues. However, despite everyone’s best efforts the tenant has not found it possible to meet the terms of the lease”.
It added: “Therefore, SCPS have served notice to the tenant, which has resulted in forfeiture of the lease with immediate effect.
“Two former board members are to temporarily take the tenancy (independently of SCPS) under a ‘tenancy at will’ agreement. This means that the pub can remain open as usual while we seek a long-term tenant.
“The pub will be closed for a short time to carry out essential stock taking and handover but will re-open in the coming days under the usual stewardship of Karen and her team.”
SCPS said it would be starting a recruitment process for a new tenant in the coming weeks.
An open day to attract potential applicants is being planned.
The statement added: “Please be assured this is not a decision we have taken lightly.
“However, we feel our actions are in the best interest of all concerned.”
The announcement comes around a month after it emerged Richmond Brewing Company was having its lease terminated at its base at The Station in Richmond.
The company has continued to trade since the and had a stall at Reeth Show on Monday.
Following this event, the company posted a thank you on its Facebook page to members of the community who visited the stall and offered their support.
The post added: “With all of the above happening, I have been distracted from my other businesses and would also like to thank both the management at the pubs and especially Skeeby Community Pub Society for their fantastic support.
“More news to follow on future plans.”
