As many readers will know, Alison and Iain who currently run the Cross Guns in Pant have given notice to Marston’s pubs that they will be leaving early in 2016.
In the past the pub has been closed following the departure of previous landlords and some locals have been concerned that the pub might close for a period following Alison and Iain’s departure.
According to Marston’s, the pub is currently being offered to ‘retailers’ on a five year retail agreement, with the ‘landlords’ retaining 22% of all sales.
When asked by Pant Today about progress on finding new ‘retailers’, a Marston’s spokesperson said: “We are currently in the midst of the recruitment process and we feel confident we will have a new retailer in place from the 1st February.”
Earlier in the year, Marston’s closed the pub while it made “a substantial investment… which has greatly enhanced the interior and created extra outside space”.
As well as serving the locals in Pant and surrounding areas, the Cross Guns is a popular stopping off point for travellers on the A483 from Oswestry and the North to Mid Wales.
The pub was recently listed as an Asset of Community Value by Shropshire County Council in recognition of its value to the local community. This followed an application by an informal group of regulars at the pub and other residents of Pant. Listing as an Asset of Community Value gives local people advance warning of any planned developments to the pub, especially any potential change of use.