Date set for Skeeby pub reopening
A date has been set for the reopening of Richmondshire’s newest community owned pub.
Travelers Rest in Skeeby opens April 1st.
The project has gained momentum over the past 12 months as volunteers and craftsmen have restored the pub with a new and improved layout and facilities.
The project has been supported financially with grants from Richmondshire District Council and the Plunkett Foundation, but mainly through the sale of shares to the local community and as far away as Australia.
The pub closed in 2008 and was bought by a property developer with the intention of converting the building into a home.
The Skeeby Community Pub Society (SCPS) was formed to fight the planning application and after a long struggle they finally took ownership of the pub in early 2022.
Volunteers say all of the building’s amenities, including the bar, have been removed, making the restoration project a huge undertaking.
The newly refurbished pub will feature brand new button down seating, reclaimed furniture, a hand crafted bespoke bar, wood burning stove, enclosed courtyard, wheelchair accessible facilities and a new first floor ‘garden room’ with patio and views over the Quoits pitches and beer garden .
As well as reopening as a pub, the new venue is set to become a community center offering additional facilities for local residents.
The SCPS recently announced that local Chris Wallace has taken over the lease of the pub.
Chris intends to hire an experienced manager and chef to run Travelers Rest, similar to the Castle Tavern in Richmond, where he is also a tenant.
Chris also owns The Richmond Brewing, which offers guest beers at times alongside other local brewers.
Following in the footsteps of other community pubs, Travelers Rest hopes to attract customers from walkers and cyclists who enjoy the local footpaths and bridleways.
The Skeeby Community Pub Society has a committee of nine, along with over 200 investors who have collectively invested almost £300,000 in the business.
A limited number of shares are still available until the maximum shareholding of £325,000 is reached.
If you are interested in investing or would like more information about the project please email [email protected] or visit www.thetravellersrestskeeby.co.uk
