Town's oldest pub seeks operator after £3.5m refurb

The oldest pub in Northampton could reopen within months after a £3.5m renovation - provided an operator can be found to run it.

The Grade II listed Old Black Lion on Marefair dates back to the 16th Century but has not welcomed patrons since 2018.

West Northamptonshire Council and the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) started work on its revival three years ago, with the trust having already moved its national office into the building last year.

A full opening was expected at the beginning of 2025, but the "complex" project was delayed and Northampton-based Phipps brewery pulled out - prompting a search for a new operator.

Phipps said it "concluded it no longer represented an opportunity" the brewery should take up.

A spokesperson for the Reform UK-controlled council said "major repair and conservation works" were now "completed to a very high standard" at the pub.

They said: "CCT continues to market the Old Black Lion via our letting agents, Fleurets, and remain focused on securing the long-term operator for the site.

"This is a landmark building with real history and character. We are committed to ensuring it has a sustainable and successful future, and we look forward to opening it up further for residents to enjoy in the months ahead."

The authority said the Old Black Lion was part of its "wider work to create a more connected and active town centre."

About £2m of funding for the scheme has come from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, with money also granted by HM Treasury's Towns Fund, West Northamptonshire Council, the Architectural Heritage Fund - and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation.

The pub is next door to St Peter's Church, which stopped hosting regular worship in 1995 and is looked after by the CCT, which looks after redundant places of worship.

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