Concern over future of 17th century Black Horse pub in Nassington
There is concern over the future of a 17th century village pub that was bought by a businessman following a failed attempt at community ownership.
The Black Horse is one of two pubs in Nassington and had previously been designated an asset of community value by East Northamptonshire Council.
The previous owners, Enterprise Inns, sold the business at the start of this year to a Stamford entrepreneur.
He is said to have invited locals to a get-together in the pub to outline his plans, but then the pandemic arrived and pubs were forced to shut in March.
Residents are now in the dark over the fate of the ‘traditional boozer’, as it has been described, and its Facebook page states it is ‘permanently closed’.
The Mercury tracked down the pub's owner who said he is "likely to be selling it on in due course" because of an ongoing health issue.
There is now some concern in the village, which has about 1,000 residents, about the future of the pub.
Alan Burns, chairman of Nassington Parish Council, said: “As it says on the side of the building the black horse has been an eating and ale house since 1674. It is massively supported by the village and the caravan site at Yarwell Mill.
“The village did consider a bid to purchase the Black Horse when Enterprise Inns put it on the market and were delighted when it was bought by someone who appeared to intend to run it as a pub.
“The village will surely fight hard to retain this centuries old facility which is clearly economically viable and greatly supported.”
Another villager, who also wished to remain anonymous, said he had been disappointed by the support from locals when they tried to buy the pub for the community.
In January, around £25,000 was reportedly pledged to the scheme after meetings were held but interest then fizzled out.
“If I am honest, I was disappointed by the level of support from the village,” he said. “We were unable to make any serious attempt at purchasing it.”
The pub was sold for £320,000, according to online information.