A date has been set for the reopening of Richmondshire’s newest community-owned pub.
The Travellers Rest in Skeeby will open on April 1.
The project has gathered momentum over the past 12 months, as volunteers and tradespeople have restored the pub with a new and improved layout and facilities.
The project has been supported financially with grants from Richmondshire District Council and Plunkett Foundation, but mainly through the sale of shares to the local community and as far afield as Australia.
The pub closed in 2008 and was bought by a property developer with intentions to convert the building into a house.
The Skeeby Community Pub Society (SCPS) was formed to fight the planning application, and after a lengthy battle, they finally took ownership of the pub in early 2022.
Volunteers say the building was stripped of all its amenities, including the bar, so the restoration project was a huge undertaking.
The newly refurbished pub will feature all-new button-back fitted seating, reclaimed furniture, a hand-crafted bespoke bar, wood burning stove, an enclosed outside courtyard, wheelchair accessible facilities and a new first floor ‘garden room’ with decking and views over the quoits pitches and beer garden.
As well as reopening as a pub, is it hoped the new venue will become a community hub, offering additional facilities for the local residents.
The SCPS recently announced local man, Chris Wallace, has taken on the lease of the pub.
Chris intends to employ an experienced manager and chef to run the Travellers Rest, in a similar way to that of the Castle Tavern in Richmond, where he is also the leaseholder.
Chris also owns The Richmond Brewing company who will provide guest beers at times, alongside other local brewers.
Following in the footsteps of other community pubs, the Travellers Rest hopes to attract custom from walkers and cyclists who enjoy the local footpaths and bridleways.
The Skeeby Community Pub Society has a committee of nine, along with over 200 investors who have collectively invested almost £300,000 in the business.
A limited number of shares are still available until the maximum shareholding of £325,000 is achieved.
If you would like to invest, or would like more information regarding the project please email thetravellersrestskeeby@outlook.com or head to the website www.thetravellersrestskeeby.co.uk
