MA Property
Nottinghamshire pub bought by local residents
Businessman Russell Pytches and his fellow locals have bought the freehold to the White Lion through Christie & Co.
The pub, which dates back to the 13th century, has been a fixture in the life of Rempstone for centuries, with many villagers’ parents and grandparents having frequented the establishment. "There is no shop or post office there. Really, the pub is the last facility in the village and we had just watched it go downhill," Pytches said.
"Without the pub, the village hasn't got a heart any more. People say you shouldn't do anything for sentiment but, at the end of the day, we were all seeing offers fall through because it needs quite a lot of work doing to it.
"I asked three others if they were interested and they said, 'let's have a go'. We have had a lot of support from people in the village that have also offered financial help because it is for the village and we are all enthusiastic. We just hope we can make it work."
Gavin Webb, business agent at Christie & Co’s Nottingham office added: “We are delighted to have helped Russell and the others to purchase one of their village gems.
“We had interest from individuals as well as developers so the fact that we were able to support the local community in continuing this historical property’s life as a pub is fantastic. We wish the new owners every success in their new venture.”
The new owners plan on spending the next month refurbishing the pub with many fellow villagers offering their time to help.
- For a wide-ranging discussion with the new owners on how they plan on putting their plans in place for a December reopening of the site, take a look at the November 14 edition of The Morning Advertiser.
