Reopened pub has become 'hub of the community'

The Coach Inn closed in 2020 and many locals thought it would never reopen

A pub which was closed for four years has become the "hub of the community", its new managers have said.

The Coach Inn in Lesbury, Northumberland, shut in 2020 but reopened in February.

The Campaign for Real Ale in the North East and Cumbria estimated dozens of pubs closed in 2023, with spiralling costs and the Covid hangover blamed.

Gordon Castle, Conservative councillor for Alnwick, said the area seems to be "bucking the trend" when it comes to pubs.

"We've had a couple of new ones in Alnwick, then there is The Coach in Lesbury and The Plough in Powburn which have both reopened this year," he added.

Manager and chef Gemma Scollick and Tracey Hayes say they feel part of the community

Many locals feared The Coach Inn had closed for good but pub operator Chris Greaves, who also runs the Newcastle House in Rothbury, agreed to take on the licence.

Two of the staff from the Newcastle House, Gemma Scollick and Tracey Hayes, have moved to the pub and taken on the roles as manager and chef.

Locals thought the pub would not reopen after it was closed in 2020

Ms Scollick said: "Since reopening we have settled into a wonderful life here, we feel we are the hub of the community and have made some real friendships."

The pair host a number of groups including the onion club and a monthly ladies' G&T gathering.

Ms Hayes added: "We are excited for the future of Lesbury’s Coach Inn - this is just the beginning."

Owner Star Pubs has also agreed to a £330,000 upgrade to facilities, including its kitchen and toilets.

The pub will close for four weeks on Sunday for work, which will include paving in the beer garden.

Castle, who's county council ward includes Lesbury, added: "Pubs are part of English civilisation and a village without one is really missing something, so I'm really delighted to see this investment, it's really good news."