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Nov
Black Lion at Skelton set for grand reopening
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A community pub near Ripon is set to open its doors this week after refurbishment.
The Black Lion at Skelton-on-Ure will reopen on Friday, November 14, as a pub, restaurant and farm shop.
The pub was shut by former owner Admiral Taverns in 2019, but was saved after locals had it listed as an Asset of Community Value in 2022 and raised around £480,000 to buy it in March 2024.
Now, new tenants Tadgh Barry and Mary Benson have taken over the reigns at the Black Lion.
They said:
We want the Black Lion to feel like home for everyone.
Whether you’re popping in for a cuppa, a pint or coming for a full family meal, you’ll be welcome here.
The pub is owned by Skelton-on-Ure Pub & Hub Ltd, a community benefit society formed by locals to buy and restore the building.
About £240,000 came from the community and a similar amount came from the government's Community Ownership Fund.
The Skelton-on-Ure community took ownership of the Black Lion pub in 2024.
Since then, a small army of volunteers has transformed the neglected premises into a fully refurbished pub, café and shop.
The new site is set to host events beyond serving pints, such as workshops, crafts, a cafe and a space for small business pop-ups to share their work.
It will also host a farm shop and other community initiatives like book clubs and games nights.
A grand reopening will be held on November 14, which will include live music, a new food menu and tours around the new pub and restaurant.
A spokesperson for the Black Lion community trust said:
This isn’t just a reopening — it’s a homecoming.
We’ve brought our pub back to life — and we’re so proud to share it with everyone.
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