New landlords will bring life to much-loved Yorkshire country pub which first opened in 1777
A historic Wetherby village pub which has stood on the same site for 250 years is reopening to the delight of residents and the parish council.
The Duke of Wellington Inn, which has been located on Main Street in East Keswick near Wetherby since 1777, closed its doors earlier this year.
In that time, there were fears that the Grade II listed building, which has played a central role in village life for so long, would be lost for good.
So worried were residents over the future of this much-loved historic institution that East Keswick Parish Council took out an Asset of Community Value order on the traditional-style pub in an effort to save it.
Now comes the good news that new licensees have reached an agreement with the pub’s owners Stonegate Pub Company, have moved in, appointed a new chef, refurbished and reopened The Duke of Wellington.
Licensee Nicola Parsons said: “We have reopened The Duke of Wellington Inn with a great new chef James Key, who is well-known.
“The pub was closed for more than seven months but we have brought it back to life.
"We’re delighted to have created over 20 jobs.”
Boasting a fine beer garden, this rejuvenated community-hub will be offering good food and cask ales,
East Keswick Parish Council said the new licensees had brought with them an “excellent reputation for food”.
The hope of everyone in the village is that this, plus cask ales, will ensure a good future for this long-standing pub.