Gosberton Risegate pub The Black Horse is up for sale

A village pub has been put on the market as the previous publicans are giving up the lease.

The Black Horse in Gosberton Risegate has received a bit of interest since it was placed on the market two weeks ago by owner Simon Easter.

He says that current tenants, Sandra Anderson and daughter Crystal Marinas, are giving up the lease due to health issues and the impact of Covid.

Residents have expressed concerns about the pub as it is has been closed for some weeks while the village’s other pub, The Duke of York, has been earmarked for demolition - if the owner Sue Goodenough is able to prove it has no future.

However Mr Easter, who ran the pub for up to three years after buying it in 2007, feels ‘destination’ pubs like the Black Horse still have a future.

Mr Easter, who left the pub to return to Derbyshire, said: “It has had a bit of a response with a couple of people in the village expressing an interest in it which we are exploring but is early days.

“It would be lovely to have someone to come in and buy it as a going concern as a restaurant and pub.

“It has never been a drinkers’ pub and ever since we have had it, it was more of a restaurant. That is definitely the way most pubs of that kind are wanting to make their trade.

“I think that it is still viable as a lot of people want to eat out in nice places.”

The four bedroom pub, which has 20 table restaurant along with a bar and snug, which includes period features, is on the market for £295,000 with Guy Simmonds Business Transfers Ltd.

Previous publicans Sandra and Crystal were building up a reputation for good food but have now taken the decision to give up the lease.

Mr Easter said: “It is a shame that they felt to give up the lease. I would love them to stay on and continue the mantel.”