The comic and radio presenter has thrown his support behind the Fadmoor Community Pub Limited, a community group looking to restore the Plough in Fadmoor, which has been closed since 2011.
After successfully registering the historic pub, which dates back to 1782, as an asset of community value in 2013, the group set to work to save the Plough, gaining support from local businesses, councillors, and the local MP.
Community asset
Last year, the committee submitted a victorious Community Ownership Fund application, which is a Government scheme that matches funding for community and voluntary groups to buy or renovate local assets, and completed the purchase of the Plough in September 2024.
The now derelict pub is currently undergoing renovation and a TV show, commissioned by Full Fat TV for Channel 4, following Richardson as he works with the community to restore the Plough is in the works, titled A Yorkshire Pub with Jon Richardson.
While a release date has not been confirmed, the observational series is expected to air on More4 as two four-episode series.
Richardson said: “I love pubs so much that I turned my garage into one, but it didn’t scratch the itch so now I’ve ended up owning one. Or a share of a crumbling one, anyway.
Heart of the village
“When I first heard about the Plough, I had to go and see it and then when I met the amazing people working to rescue it, I couldn’t resist getting involved. Like a good pint, they are lively and cool with good heads on them, and they make you feel better about the world.
“Pubs are the beating heart of their communities and we’re, hopefully, going to have a great time bringing the Plough back to its former glory. I know it’s going to be hard work, but I’m ready to roll my sleeves up and watch other people getting their hands dirty.”
Fadmoor resident Peter Jones added: “We have a lot of work to do to renovate this derelict pub, which has been closed for 14 years, and bring it back to life as a thriving community pub at the heart of this village. We look forward to sharing this journey with Jon and More4 viewers, especially as Jon has offered to buy the first round when we open!”
