Setback for village pub after tenants quit

Villagers are looking for new tenants to run their pub after saving it from closure

Villagers who raised more than £300,000 to save their only pub have suffered a setback after its new tenants quit after just four months.

The tenants took over running the newly-opened Fisher's Arms, in Horncliffe near Berwick-upon-Tweed, in March but said they were leaving in September due to personal reasons.

Moira Kay, who helped raise the money for the community buyout said the venue was "filled to capacity" during event nights.

She also said that the tenants would be "sadly missed" for making the pub a success but that villagers were confident of finding a replacement couple.

The pub shut in 2021 and there were plans to turn it in to housing.

However, villagers were dismayed at the idea of losing the venue, which dates back to 1760, and set about raising the money to buy it.

Three years on, and after one villager spent 300 hours filling in just one form for a grant application, it reopened earlier this year as a community hub, guest house and restaurant.

Villagers Moira Kay and Louise Giddens said the pub was "filled to capacity" on event nights

Ms Kay said: "Since The Fisher's Arms opened with the tenants, the pub has been very well supported by the community, share holders and visitors.

"Our regular quiz nights and live music evenings have filled the pub to capacity and and given people a lovely space to meet up and chat with friends and neighbours.

"Although we are sad that our tenants are leaving for personal reasons, it has shown what a fantastic, profitable and viable business it is."

She added that the search was now on for "an enthusiastic couple" with a passion for the area, local produce, craft ales and "providing hospitality as well as embracing our community ethos."

Villagers raised more than £300,000 to buy their pub and save it from being turned into housing