One of Ripon’s largest and most prominently located pubs is seeking a new long-term tenant after being shut since early May.
South Lodge’s sudden closure prompted speculation on social media about its future.
A spokesperson for the Heineken-owned pub business Star Pubs & Bars, which is marketing the premises on Harrogate Road at an annual rent of £29,775, told the Stray Ferret:
“We have had to close South Lodge on a temporary basis. We hope to open it again in the next few weeks with the same temporary licensees.
“Longer term, we are seeking a suitable person to take on the lease.”
The spokesperson added:
“South Lodge is in a great location half a mile south of the (city) centre in a desirable, residential area. It is a stunning building and, in addition to serving food and drink, can host live entertainment, pub games and pool. “
The pub, which stands in its own grounds and has a beer garden, is located by the busy A61 on the route of the 36 bus service between Ripon and Harrogate.
In its search for somebody to take on the lease, Star Pubs & Bars said it was looking for a person with extensive experience in the hospitality business.
Read more:
Starbeck and Bilton community libraries set for 10-year council deal
Community libraries in Bilton and Starbeck are set to be given 10-year leases to continue their services.
North Yorkshire County Council‘s executive will be asked next week to approve the proposal, which aims to give long-term stability to libraries run by volunteers.
Both Bilton and Woodfield, and Starbeck, were previously run by NYCC but difficulties with funding led them to handing over day-to-day running to the communities.
The county’s libraries budget fell from £7.8m in 2010 to £4.3m in 2017, prompting communities to rally to ensure their facilities stayed open. Across the county, 1,700 volunteers came forward.
Bilton and Woodfield was the area’s first community library, celebrating its 10th anniversary earlier this year.
The libraries have continued to receive support from the council with books and IT services, as well as support from paid library service staff.
North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for libraries, Cllr Greg White, said:
“We take great pride in the community-run model with our service being in the top 10 per cent of performance nationally. Working in partnership with communities alongside volunteers in all libraries allows the service to meet local needs.
“There continues to be interest from other local authorities and central government as it is proven to retain high standards whilst delivering savings. The original leases of five years were introduced as the new model was unique and unproven. However, it has been a great success so we are proposing to introduce longer leases which will avoid costs around future renewals.”
Read more:
- Community library marks 10 years at the heart of Bilton and Woodfield
- Library visits remain low following pandemic, says council
Around half of North Yorkshire’s book-lending is via community libraries across the county and almost 40% of active library users belong to them.
During the summer, more than 1,000 people visited community libraries to claim household support fund vouchers, while 3,500 children used them to complete the summer reading challenge.
Libraries manager Chrys Mellor said:
“During the pandemic many of the community libraries became the base for community support organisations who were vital in the delivery of food, prescriptions and books.
“During the cost of living crisis our libraries are offering warm spaces for vulnerable people in their communities, providing a range of activities.
“Residents should be proud of their communities and library service for retaining such a high-class service which is delivered at a local level.”