A York pub has been repossessed by its owner.
The Blacksmiths Arms in Naburn closed last month. At the time, its publican said he hoped it would reopen soon.
But its owners Marston’s Pubs Limited seized the property yesterday.
A Notice Of Forfeiture from Derby legal firm Flint Bishop said Marston’s took over the pub “following forfeiture of the lease by peaceable re-entry”.
It said: “Following the repossession the locks to the premises have been changed.
“Any attempt to enter the premises is prohibited without the written permission of the landlord or its solicitors or agents.”
The pub’s closure was announced on Facebook on 28 January, with this statement: “Due to a fall in trade over the past year, it is with a heavy heart that we have unfortunately been left with no option but to close our doors for the time being.
“We will of course keep you updated as to when we will be able to open again.
“We want to thank everyone who has supported us through the years, it has meant the world to us and we hope to see you again soon.”
The Blacksmiths Arms, run for many years by Anthony Buckley, was a popular spot not just with Naburn villagers but people who use the river and those who loved its food, particularly its Sunday roasts and carvery.
It comes at a challenging time for the licensed trade.
Over the past five years, 2,074 pubs have closed – the equivalent of nearly eight a week – according to Business Rescue Expert.
Alex Probyn from the Altus Group which collated the data said: “Many publicans that I speak to are extremely worried that this could be their last Christmas given the combination of hiking the amount employers will have to pay in National Insurance, increases to the minimum wage and the business rates discount being cut from 75% to 40% in 2025.
“Many pubs simply will no longer be viable making plots even more attractive for alternative investment.”
The British Beer and Pub Association said the Budget announcements, including a hike in National Insurance payments for employees, were another blow: “Pubs and brewers now face an April cliff edge, when a further £650m extra in costs will begin.
“This includes the reduction of vital business rates relief, staggering new employer costs, and the beer bottle packaging tax, all which will stifle growth and investment.
“We urge Government to work with us and quickly introduce meaningful business rates reform and phase in new costs so that pubs can thrive and our sector can help deliver their growth mission.”