Sadness as couple call time at popular boozer
CUSTOMERS PAY TRIBUTE TO DUO SET TO LEAVE PUB AFTER 16 YEARS
LANDLORDS at a popular pub have announced they are leaving after 16 years behind the bar.
Customers of the Stubbing Wharf in Hebden Bridge are “truly sad” by the news, as the canalside spot was “perfect” in the sunshine, while offering a cosy fireplace setting in the winter.
Over the years the venue has gained an excellent reputation for its cooked food.
Pub runners Matt and Sally confirmed the news comes following a disagreement with Stonegate – which manages a number of pubs across the UK. The company wants to run the pub as a managed house but it wasn’t something the Matt and Sally were willing to do.
The only difference between a pub manager and a pub operator is that the latter is self-employed and owns the business. Therefore, if the pub operators renewed their tenancy, Stonegate would get to decide how much money they take from the business and how profits are spent or reinvested to generate more revenue.
The popular venue will remain open for the time meaning and throughout Easter weekend. But Matt and Sally’s last day running the pub will be on
Easter Monday.
In a post on Facebook, it was confirmed: “Unfortunately we are unable to renew our tenancy agreement with
Stonegate PLC, They want to run the pub as a managed house under their Proper Pubs brand.
“We have been at The Stubbing for 16 years and would like to thank all our customers for their support.
“Also a big thank you to all our employees, past and present for their hard work and dedication, we really could not have done it without you.
“We still have a few weeks left, Easter Monday will be our last day. Good luck to Stonegate and don’t worry we won’t be far away as last November we took over The Robin Hood Inn, at Pecket Well.
“We hope to see you at the Robin in the future, where we will be carrying on our values of Real Ale and Great Pub Food, all with the warmest welcome. Thank you all – Matt and Sally.”
The news has saddened hundreds of customers who have enjoyed the hospitality spot for a number of years.
Patricia Stubbs said: “That’s sad news, we’ve had some great family reunions at Stubbings Wharf.
“When our Australian family visit their home land and we travel from all over UK and make many happy memories there.”
Malcolm Helliwell added: “Very sad news. I know how hard you have worked to sustain a good standard and I will be sorry to see you go. Good luck with the Robin Hood, it’s just further to go for us.”
Jess Kaler dubbed the venue the “best pub in town”, while Mark Akacat branded the news “shocking”.