Well-loved Rural Pub Looking to Reopen Its Doors
The Black Lion Inn, Skelton-on-Ure, between Boroughbridge and Ripon, has closed its doors after just six months of trading, bringing an end to a heartfelt effort by tenants, Tadgh Berry and Mary Benson. The tenants announced their closure on social media, “It is with very heavy hearts that we are writing to let you know that The Black Lion will be closing its doors under our tenancy, with our final day of opening, Saturday 23rd May. This has been an incredibly painful decision for us to make. Over the past six months we have poured absolutely everything we had into trying to build something special here, financially, physically, emotionally, and creatively. We truly believe in what The Black Lion could become and have loved creating a warm, welcoming and characterful space for the village and beyond. Sadly, despite our very best efforts, the reality of the hospitality industry at the moment, particularly for indepedent rural pubs, has made it impossible for us to continue sustainably.”
The community-owned venue, which had been lovingly renovated by local residents following years of uncertainty, reopened last year under the management of tenants Mary and Tadgh, who relocated from London to take on the challenge. Both arrived with experience in the hospitality industry and a shared vision of creating a thriving village hub.
Mary, best known as the successful fashion designer behind Mary Benson London, brought a distinctive creative flair to the Black Lion. Her talents in interior design, graphic design and photography helped transform the pub into a welcoming and visually striking destination. Tadgh took charge of front-of-house operations, earning praise for his warm hospitality and dedication to running the business.
Determined to make the venture a success, the pair introduced a wide range of events and initiatives designed to attract customers from across the area. These included popular Sunday carveries, Craft Fridays, Cask Ale Thursdays, folk music evenings, Friday fish nights, weekend garden parties, a monthly book club, and a well-attended Burns Night celebration.
Alongside the pub, Mary and Tadgh also managed the village convenience shop and cafe, working tirelessly to provide both essential services and a welcoming social space for residents and visitors alike. The cakes on offer was one of the many highlights of the new venture.
Despite their efforts and the positive atmosphere they created, maintaining consistent customer numbers proved challenging, and after months of hard work and experimentation, the difficult decision was made to cease trading.
The Black Lion’s final day under their management was marked with a small garden party, giving villagers, friends and supporters an opportunity to gather one last time and celebrate what had been achieved. While the closure is a disappointment for many, residents have expressed gratitude to Mary and Tadgh for their commitment, creativity and determination in giving the Black Lion a new chapter and restoring a valued sense of community to the heart of the village.
The community is now looking for new tenants to take on the historic village pub at an exciting time. With a stunning garden space, ample parking, a pizza oven, and set-up for caravans, this local village pub provides a fantastic opportunity for a new set of tenants. The pub is well-supported and loved – already a staple within the community that brought the community to restore it, revive it, and then populate it.
Find out more at the on the Pub Community Hub page and The Black Lion website.
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