Buck Inn to re-open by end of July

Following weeks of speculation and rumours, the new Landlords of the Buck have finally taken possession and are hard at work preparing the pub for re-opening. Partners Phil Topps, Barry James & Geoff Postill are focusing initially on getting the drinks and food side of the business ready; refurbishment of the kitchens is well underway, and work on the cellars starts this week. Meanwhile the bar and lounge are already nearly ready - when I called in, Phil was just finishing repainting the ceiling in the lounge - and locals will have noticed that the outside of the pub is already looking better, with hanging baskets in place and the hand-written notices removed!

The three already run a pub - The Jug Inn at Chapel Haddlesey near Selby - which they will continue to run alongside the Buck. Phil explained that they took over the Jug about three years ago, when it too was closed, and have turned it round. They started looking for a new challenge and are keen to restore the Buck to its former position at the heart of the village. Phil acknowledged that this was a big challenge, but the three obviously have a clear idea of what they are planning to achieve, and having tuned round the Jug are under no illusion about what it takes to make a pub successful. Phil will focus in particular on the Buck side of the business, although all three will be involved.

The target they are working to is to re-open on the last weekend in July, and Phil said he was confident that they are on track for this. The pub has a new phone number: (01756) 761400 and Phil said they have already taken some reservations for August.

As the re-opening date approaches, Phil explained that he plans to issue a press release and promised to keep www.buckden.org informed on progress.

We wish the new team every success in their new venture.

Click here to read reviews of The Jug on www.beerintheevening.com, which look encouraging; lets hope the Buck is getting similar reviews in a years time