Crown & Anchor near Grantham to re-open

A popular village pub is to re-open next month after been closed for more than a year.

Everards Brewery has found tenants for the Crown & Anchor in Welby, who will re-open the 18th century inn during mid-August.

Larry Humphries, 60, and Janice Matthews, 48, take possession of the pub on July 23 and will open it around August 14.

Larry said the pub will re-open as a pub-restaurant, serving familiar dishes with a twist. A chef and assistant chef have already been recruited. The premises will also be refurbished, including the letting cottage, which will re-open later in August.

“Hopefully, we will get the pub’s reputation back for good food, hospitality and good beer.”

Larry’s background is the car trade around Nottingham, with some hospitality. He has lived in Grantham for nine years after living in Spain for ten years.

Janice has also spent most of her life in the motor trade and also has a passion for horses. The couple will be joined by daughter Emily, adding to its family atmosphere.

Everards business development manager Gareth Smith said the brewery worked hard to find motivated tenants like Larry and Janice.

“Larry is a good businessman, a local. The village will warm to him.”

Welby parish council chairman John Fisher said the village was “excited and absolutely delighted” the Crown & Anchor will re-open.