On the 2nd February 2023 a public question and answer session with the Black Lion Pub and Hub Committee took place in Skelton-on-Ure. This page contains a summary of the most popular questions asked and the Committee’s responses.
As always, if your question isn’t answered here or in the FAQs section, email us directly using the Get In Touch link from the menu.
If we don’t get the pub, what happens?
At the end of the day there’s not much we can do if our reasonable offer isn’t accepted by Admiral Taverns. The granting of Asset of Community Value status provides a finite amount of time for us to make an offer, but no requirement for Admiral Taverns to accept.
Have we (the committee) visited the Coverdale Community Pub?
A few members have been individually. However, we have been en-masse to the Green Dragon at Exelby, which is an excellent example of a successful community pub project. We were mightily impressed and have used it as our inspiration.
What is the population of Skelton on Ure? And how much support have we had from the community? (this was asked by people from Marton-le-Moor)
The population is about 360 and about 85 houses. Questionnaire (or community consultation) response was about 85% either very interested or interested in the pub reopening. 75% wanted the pub to serve food. 66% wanted a cafe. 52% wanted a bakery/ supplies outlet. Read the full breakdown of the Community Questionnaire results.
Will the car park have sufficient capacity to cater for all visitors? We’re concerned about overflow parking on the road and the impact ton neighbours.
This is not anticipated to be a problem. The car park is significantly larger than at other pubs (for example at Langthorpe where parking can be a problem). The caravan site would be a 5 touring van site, registered and checked by an organisation such as the Caravan and Motorhome Club. They have high standards!
Do Admiral Taverns have to accept our offer?
No. It is your committee’s opinion (based upon a formal survey of the building) that the pub is overpriced at the current asking price. Admiral Taverns is not under any obligation to accept our offer. However, if they wish to seek a change-of-use and sell it for development they will have to justify why they didn’t accept our offer. Equally, they could decide to sit on it for as long as they want.
Can I transfer my shares to another person?
Not immediately, but legal ownership would pass to beneficiaries if the holder dies. The committee has flexibility in this regard anyway and each case would be considered compassionately on an individual basis.
Would we go further out for share pledge marketing?
Yes. We have a number of share pledges from various parts of the country, as well as abroad. We’re open to pledges from anywhere in the world. The map below shows some of the places from where we’ve already received pledges.
If we do obtain the pub, how can I help volunteer?
At this point a list of outstanding jobs will be published with the plan that volunteers will pick tasks that are most suited to their free time and skillset. Naturally any help, no matter how small, will be useful and appreciated.