'Proud' new owners of former Manor House pub set to welcome community
“Proud” new owners of a former pub that closed suddenly after 80 years will welcome the community to the new venue.
The Manor House Pub in Court Lane, Drayton, shut its doors over two years ago on November 24, 2023, following a surprise announcement by its owner Greene King.
The shock closure sparked outrage from locals who then rallied to save the cherished watering hole - with community group, Save the Manor House, set up. This led to it being designated as an asset of community value (ACV), allowing the community to bid for the pub if the owner decides to sell.
However, the community group was thwarted in its efforts to buy the pub with Greene King not disclosing financial details to the community group to allow them to seek investment and grants.
Then in October there was an announcement the former pub would become a Growing Places nursery and community hub with an application made to change the venue’s use, which has been accepted.
Jackie Warren, of Growing Places, previously confirmed they had officially taken over the venue with a community event due on Saturday January 17 from 1pm to reveal the plans at the site.
Jackie previously said: “Well after a very long journey of over 12 months since we first saw the Manor House, fell in love with the building and knew it was in a perfect community for us to develop a very special intergenerational community nursery, we can finally share that Growing Places are the very proud owners.
“Thank you all for your support and kindness. We will be opening the doors to share the vision with you all on Saturday 17 January at 1pm.”
Greene King, in its last public statement on the Manor House last year, said it was committed to meeting their obligations as the owner of an ACV but stressed that there was no “requirement” to publish financial information with residents.
A spokesperson added: “Closing a pub is always a difficult decision and only happens after careful consideration. While we cannot confirm any details about the pub’s future at this stage, since it was put up for sale we have had a number of approaches from people interested in purchasing the property and these are currently being reviewed.”