MSW Pub Company, led by shareholders Neil Morrissey, Richard Slingsby and John Sykes have decided not to renew the lease of the Plume of Feathers in Barlaston with Punch Pubs & Co.
Instead, MSW will focus on acquiring its own freehold premises, transitioning into property landlords rather than operators.
Morrissey and the directors thanked Punch for the support over the past 10 years and offered their best wishes to the management and staff at the pub for continued success in the future.
Exceptional business
Punch Pubs & Co CEO Andy Spencer said: “We would like to thank Neil, Richard and John for their hard work and dedication over the past 10 years in making the Plume of Feathers an exceptional pub business.
“Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in its success and we wish them all the very best in their new venture.
“As we look to the future, our priority remains ensuring the Plume of Feathers continues to thrive at the heart of the community for many years to come.”
The pub opened in March 2015 after a £400,000 refurbishment.
In 2016, Morrissey issued a warning to operators after an incident saw the Plume of Feathers evacuated.
Previous incident
Customers were evacuated from the Barlaston site after a ‘mystery’ burning odour was found to be coming from the pub’s tumble dryer.
The fire brigade removed the tumble dryer to ensure it was safe. They told staff ‘exploding laundry’ due to essential oils not being properly washed out of kitchen towels had led to serious pub and restaurant fires in the past.
At the time, Morrissey said: “It’s very scary. If you ask 90% of publicans or restaurateurs, they would not know this. It’s a very serious issue.
“Our staff were diligent in protecting the customers but the fire service informed us afterwards there had been occasions where kitchen towels had been tumble dried and caught fire.
“If they’re not washed to the right temperature and oils remain in them before going in a tumble dryer and being taken out, they can catch fire once they’re folded up.”