UK family run pub collapses into liquidation – ‘truly hope this isn’t goodbye’ | UK | News
Family-run independent pub serves home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients ( stock image ) (Image: Getty)
A beloved family-run pub and restaurant has gone into liquidation, seemingly marking the end of its operation on the site on the outskirts of Lichfield, Staffordshire. Horse & Jockey (Freeford) Ltd was founded in December 2021, with the pub serving customers home-cooked meals with locally sourced ingredients in a “warm and relaxed atmosphere”, according to its TripAdvisor page.
The company is currently led by two active directors, Jayne Hurley and Mark Hurley, both of whom have held their positions since the establishment of the business. However, on Friday, March 27, a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) notice was filed on The London Gazette’s website, stating that the company was unable to pay its debts and its directors had chosen to liquidate the business. This follows a period where accounts and confirmation statements were stated to be overdue. Companies House.
John Pearson of Irwin Insolvency was appointed liquidator of the business on March 25, according to a Gazette notice published on Friday.
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The building’s owner is now seeking new leadership to take over the site (Image: Google Maps)
The company’s registration history at Companies House says that the first Gazette notice of the compulsory strike was published; this is a formal legal notice that the Registrar of Companies intends to close down the company and remove it from the public register.
While the pub was previously known for its high-quality food and family-friendly atmosphere, the building’s owner, Star Pubs & Bars, is now reportedly seeking new leadership to take over the site.
The pub, located in Tamworth Road, Lichfield, is now on the Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken UK) “Pubs to Let” list. website. It is advertised under a Trust Tenancy with an estimated annual turnover of £220,000 and annual rent of £22,000.
Professional recruitment platforms: Job Postingscurrently also includes a listing titled “Run a Star Pub – Horse & Jockey Freeford – Lichfield”. The brief clearly states that the owner is looking for an experienced operator to “develop an already well-established business” and “shape the pub’s next chapter”.
These listings tout the venue’s “essential country-style destination” status, “well-established food menu” and family-friendly features, including a large beer garden and children’s playground.
Meanwhile, the local branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has officially marked the venue as ‘Long Term Closed’, with “new tenants” [are being] Advertised for “.
The bar closed its doors for the last time on February 22 (Image: Google Maps)
Writing on Facebook on February 22, the pub wrote: “Today we close the doors and lights of The Horse & Jockey for the last time. It’s hard to put into words how much this place – and all of you – means to us. From laughter and celebrations to quiet midweek chats, it’s been a privilege to serve this community.”
“Thank you to every customer who has walked through our doors, shared a meal, made a toast and supported us over the years. You made this special.
“We hope this isn’t really goodbye; we’ll see you soon.
“With gratitude to Mark, Jayne, George and the team.”
Loyal customers were quick to take note of the comments under the bar’s Facebook post, with one writing: “Thanks, we’ll miss our Friday night visits.” Another wrote: “This Government has killed many big businesses.”
The Horse & Jockey Freeford website is no longer online.
