The parish council has been notified that the Middle Inn which has been operating out of the parish hall bar is to close, with Friday 22 September to be the last day of trading.
Despite efforts over recent months to negotiate a new contract with sustainable terms for all parties, this has not been achieved.
When the Middle Inn first opened, the parish council agreed to generous terms in which the Inn would pay no rent, only a fixed monthly rate intended to cover only the cost of utilities, with a further fee to be applied as a proportion of profits. As it happens, the Middle Inn has not yet recorded a profit to trigger these payments although the council agreed that the Middle Inn's projections showed that a profit was possible in later years. In 2023, due to the escalating costs of gas and electricity, the fixed payment previously agreed was far from covering the costs incurred and the parish council sought to negotiate a new agreement intended to keep the Middle Inn open while taking into account the sharp increase in costs. Sadly a viable agreement has not been reached and the Middle Inn has now taken the decision to vacate the parish hall bar.
The parish hall remains open for regular and one-off bookings as usual.
For the time being the bar will not be opened for regular hours but will continue to be used for events.
Monthly bingo nights will continue as normal, and children's parties are planned for Halloween and Christmas. The parish council will make alternative arrangements for the sale of drinks and refreshments at planned events.
The snooker room remains available for use by residents of the village free of charge. Contact the council to book it (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Regular sessions with Strawberry Dance School are continuing as usual.