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Grade II listed pub reopens after nine years

Paul Johnson Four people standing in front of a bar in an 18th century pub raising their glasses Paul Johnson
The Grade II listed Plough Inn will eventually operate as a cafe during the day and a pub in the evenings

A village pub which has been closed for nine years has reopened after a major refurbishment.

The Plough Inn in Powburn, near Wooler in Northumberland, is a coaching inn dating back to the 18th Century, which will eventually also be run as a cafe during the day.

Publicans Paul and Sarah Johnson announced a partnership with Kris Blackburn, who runs The Running Fox cafe chain, earlier this year.

Mr Johnson said: "It's been a frustrating time waiting for all the planning permissions so it was just so fantastic and such a relief to finally get open."

Between 2021 and 2023, pubs have shut at a rate of 500 a year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), with price rises and the aftermath of Covid among the reasons being blamed.

Paul Johnson The image shows a square Georgian building at night with the name, the Plough inn lit up Paul Johnson
The Plough Inn is on the A697, a major route through Northumberland and close to a number of tourist attractions

The former pub has been empty since 2015 but the Grade II listed building has a covenant on it which means it cannot be converted into a private home.

Mr Johnson said it was in "a terrible state" when they took it on.

"It was really dirty and damp but we've stripped it right back and uncovered all the original fireplaces which look just stunning," he said.

"From the minute we opened the door we were busy, we had people coming in all night and we had to kick them out at closing time," he added.

Kris Blackburn The interior of a pub during renovations showing an empty room with brickwork exposed and lots of dirt on the floor and wires hanging from the ceiling Kris Blackburn
Many of the original features which had been boarded up have been revealed during the renovations

The pub is only open in the evenings from 17:00 BST and at weekends from 15:00 BST, but it is hoped by the end of 2024 a new cafe will operate during the day which will also serve meals in the evening.

"People just loved it, a lot of locals came in but also people from Shilbottle, Alnwick and Rothbury to wish us luck," Mr Johnson said.

"It's a tough time for the hospitality industry but with the help of the people of Northumberland we're sure we can make a go of this", he added.

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