The café and shop at the Black Lion pub at Skelton-on-Ure, near Boroughbridge, is completely run by volunteers under the guidance of Trish Sidebottom and Pat Watson.
Its initial opening hours are Friday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
Jane Mosley of the Skelton-on-Ure Pub and Hub committee told the Press: “Our shop sells the absolute essentials but it is hoped we can expand our offerings with demand.
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“We were really lucky and extremely grateful to receive a grant of £2800 from ’The Pub is a Hub’ who have made the shop and cafe possible as we didn’t have any equipment at all. This money has allowed us to purchase both kitchen and shop equipment.”
The opening was just before Christmas and forms Phase One of a raft of changes at the 200-year-old pub, which has been closed for five years.
When the venue was closed by Admiral Taverns in November 2019, residents rallied around to take the pub into community ownership.
The Black Lion gained Asset of Community Value status in September 2022 and after raising £241,000 and securing extra funding from the Community Ownership Fund, they were able to buy the venue in March this year.
The pub has 150 shareholders and volunteers have been busy ever since, helped by an electrician, to deliver “a complete renovation of a dilapidated building.”
Completed work at the pub includes refurbishing the bar, plus a new cellar.
Recruitment for a manager to run the pub has also started.
Jane continued: “We have had lovely feedback so far and the first weekend of the shop and café was really busy.
“The village is so pleased to see there is life back in the building and it is being put to good use. We still have painting and decorating to complete downstairs.”
“Phase 2 and 3 starts in the New Year, the campsite and beer garden are to be landscaped, also by volunteers and the tenant’s accommodation will be fitted out.
Jane added: “There is still lots to do!!!! We hope to be open in the Spring, fingers crossed!”
Shares are still available from £250 and donations are most welcome at skeltonblacklion.com
