GHOSTLY goings-on are expected once restoration work starts on a haunted pub.
Burslem-based Titanic Brewery has just bought the Roebuck Hotel, a Grade II-listed 17th century coaching inn, in Leek town centre.
The landmark hostelry, which shut its doors two months ago, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former landlord who was renowned for his resistance to change.
The brewery, which has gained a reputation for reviving traditional-style inns, has pledged a sympathetic restoration of the building, which was built in 1626.
Otherwise the owners could find themselves in recently-discovered first floor dungeons.
The pub was featured in a 1905 Albert Bennett short story called The Grim Smile of the Five Towns.
Leek historian Bill Cawley, who was an occasional customer, welcomed the take-over.
He said: "The pub is rumoured to have been haunted by the ghost of a former landlord, who did not like any alterations.
"I hope he does not kick up any fuss and let us hope his spirit is appeased by the work.
"I think this is very good news for the town.
"It is a much-needed shot in the arm for the community. The pub has had a chequered history in recent years."
At one time Leek was reported to have 52 pubs – one for every week of the year.
The numbers have dwindled over the years because of drink-drive laws and the ban on smoking in public places.
Brewery director Dave Bott said: "The Roebuck is a stunning building and we are delighted to have acquired it.
"Its impressive timber framed frontage and we will carry-out a sympathetic programme of work in keeping with the historic town centre.
"Leek is a great drinking town. I have heard that in years gone by it was the town with the second most pubs in the country."
The Derby Street hostelry will be the sixth to be taken over by the company and is expected to open in October.
Titanic had just one pub until 2007 but has bucked a national trend of closures to open pubs in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Stone.
Mr Bott added: "Titanic Brewery has expanded from its Burslem base to open pubs in towns in and around North Staffordshire, so the market town of Leek was a natural next step.
"We have been opening pubs against a background of closures. But there is no magic formula, we pride ourselves on creating welcoming pubs which sell good local produce and are used by customers of all ages."
Contracts were exchanged with the former owners last week and the sale should be completed within the next fortnight.
It was originally put on the market by Punch Taverns for �300,000.
 |  |
Cultural trips Celebrity Tottenham Hotspur Mark Bright Madeleine McCann Occupational pensions
No comments:
Post a Comment