17th Century village pub announces closure

The managers of a 17th Century country pub have asked the government to give hospitality businesses "a break" after announcing its closure.

The Staveley Arms in North Stainley, near Ripon, reopened in 2023 after a refurbishment, but 15 months later director Steve Mortimer has said it was no longer viable to keep it open.

Mr Mortimer said the pub was busy and popular but that he had struggled to meet increasing running costs.

He said: "A government that's meant to help the economy to thrive has been the major factor in the closure."

He added: "It's such a tragedy. It's such a gorgeous setting and a magnificent venue with all that history.

"It's not that we haven't had customers. It's just that the costs, and the utilities, and the upcoming employment cost changes create a scenario where you think it can't work."

The building itself is part of the North Stainley Estate and dates back to the 1660s.

The three directors of the business said that staff and suppliers would be paid.

Responding to the announcement on social media, customers said they were "gutted" and thanked the business for the "warm welcome" and "hard work" within the community.

Mr Mortimer urged the government to "do the right thing and give hospitality and small businesses a break."

He added: "My partners and I are entrepreneurs who can't see a way forward right now."

"They are going to kill small industries, especially hospitality."

The North Stainley Estate said it would provide further updates on the site's future when it could.

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