Admiral Taverns rescinds pub sale to make way for community group

The Angler’s Rest in Bamford, Derbyshire, was sold to an architect a few weeks ago, even though the Bamford Community Society (BCS) raised £180,000 to buy the pub.

BCS said it was “outraged” by Admiral’s decision and that it will hold the new buyer to account on introducing community facilities in the pub.

The group had been in talks with Admiral for almost a year about buying the property. However, when Admiral asked for a deposit of £120,000, with a delayed completion date of 12 months, the group believed it to be an unrealistic offer.

Considerable campaigning​

Admiral’s managing director Kevin Georgel said: “While the original purchaser was entirely committed to maintaining the pub as a pub, with the potential of incorporating additional community services, such as a post office, both they and Admiral Taverns recognise the strength of feeling expressed by the residents of Bamford regarding the Angler’s Rest.

“It is clear that the local community feels passionately about taking ownership of the pub themselves. Consequently, in the days since the original sale was agreed at the end of August, and in the wake of considerable campaigning by the BCS, we have worked to rescind the sale agreement. 

“As we became aware of how important this situation was to the BCS and local community, we sought to address it to everyone’s satisfaction.  Nevertheless, if anyone has misinterpreted our intentions or if our actions have caused upset, we would like to apologise.”

BCS is looking for a manager for the pub - http://jobs.bighospitality.co.uk/job/656424/pub-management-couple-partnership/​