A couple who have taken on a pub with a chequered history have been praised by Rishi for their determination to keep it open.
After a number of unsuccessful tenancies, the Old Royal George at Morton on Swale, near Northallerton, is now being run by Sean Allison and his partner Vicky Mortimer.
Rishi called at the pub to congratulate the couple on taking on the business and carrying out an extensive refurbishment.
The roadside pub is owned by Admiral Taverns. Its recent history has included periods where it has been shut during difficult trading under previous tenancies.
Mr Allison said Admiral had been on the point of permanently closing and disposing of the building when he made enquiries about taking it on.
He said: “They told me they were going to give up on it and sell it. I said give me a weekend to put together a business plan. They looked at it and said: “Yes”.
Rishi said the couple had done a ‘super’ job with the refurbishment.
“The pub looks great now and I wish them well with their new venture. It is the only pub in the village and I hope villagers will support Sean and Vicky as they endeavour to ensure Old Royal George has a sustainable future.”
Mr Allison, who also runs a cyber-security business, said the refurbishment has focussed on the décor, lighting and creating a more inviting restaurant/dining area.
He said Vicky had extensive experience in the hospitality sector, including a spell running the kitchen at the Greyhound Inn, Hackforth, near Bedale.
Following final refurbishment works in the kitchen to be completed by the end of November, food will be available seven days a week from noon until 8pm Monday to Saturday, and open for Sunday lunch from noon until 5.30pm.
Mr Allison said he was delighted to welcome their MP to the pub.
He added: “The support we have had from the local community has been exceptional. It is very hard work running a pub as anyone working in hospitality will tell you, so it is incredibly important to get and maintain that support.”
