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25
Nov
Owner of Black Swan in Burn Bridge gives update on reopening
The long wait for the Black Swan pub in Burn Bridge to reopen looks set to continue, after its owner admitted that it still hasn’t found anyone to take it over, nearly six months after it shut.
The pub closed over the first weekend of June when its tenant declined to renew their lease.
The Black Swan’s owner, Star Pubs – which is Heineken UK’s pub arm – said at the time that it wanted to bring in a temporary operator by the end of that month while it recruited “a longer-term solution”.
In September, the company told the Stray Ferret that the pub was to undergo a “major revamp” while a permanent operator was being sought.
But the pub – known locally as the Mucky Duck – has remained shut, with no sign of any activity, so we asked for an update.
A spokesperson told us:
We aim to have the Black Swan open under temporary management in late January / early February. The refurbishment won’t happen until we have a permanent licensee in place.
We’re currently speaking to a number of applicants but as yet don’t have anyone confirmed to take the pub forward.
The reason for the delay in finding a tenant for the Black Swan may be the cost of taking it on – the pub is listed on Star Pubs’ website with minimum estimated ingoing costs of £53,468 and an annual rent of £75,073.
The listing calls it a “rare opportunity” and describes it as “the only pub in an affluent, fast-growing village near Harrogate, with no nearby rivals".
It adds:
We’re investing in a major revamp of the Black Swan in Burn Bridge, enhancing its Victorian charm inside and boosting curb appeal outside.
With 100 indoor covers and 82 in a sunny garden, it’s perfectly placed to serve both locals and visitors.
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