A NEW landlord is being sought to take over a Ringwood pub which closed earlier this year.

Pub company Stonegate is advertising for a landlord to join The London Tavern in Linford Road.

As reported, The London Tavern closed its doors in June following a 'difficult decision' made by previous landlord and licensee Phil Hoyle.

Phil said running a pub had become ‘extremely hard’, and reported his monthly energy bills had soared from £800 to £6000.

“And with Covid debts, wage bill and competition from supermarkets it has become even harder in the last couple of years.

“I also have a serious health issue which requires me to rest for two months, after which I should be back to full health.” Phil added.

Now, Stonegate is searching for an ‘experienced publican(s)’ to take on the pub on a fixed term tenancy.

It said on the listing: “The London Tavern is a fantastic community pub that has previously been the central hub of the community being involved in numerous charity fundraising events that assist and contribute to the Ringwood-Poulner and surrounding areas.

“If you are an experienced publican(s) who thrives on being a focal point for the local community then this site is for you.”

The pub group has listed the guide rent as £634 per week, and forecasts the turnover per year as £557,837.

Stonegate has also submitted an application to New Forest District Council requesting a transfer of the existing premises licence at the pub. 

The application is yet to be determined by the local authority.

Ringwood residents are expected to be welcoming of a Tavern re-opening, with many taking to social media to share their upset of the closure back in June.

One said at the time: "Thank you to a brilliant landlord for all he did for our community. The London Tavern we will miss you and there will be no other pub like it. Sorry Tav Team - you will always be the best."

Another said: "A great local pub with traditional values, loved every visit here, always made me feel very welcome as an outsider."