A Wiltshire pub will remain closed during a fresh search for a new landlord after a planned deal fell through.
The Peterborough Arms, at Dauntsey Lock, had been set to be taken over by the Wiltshire-based Broadtown Brewery.
The local brewers had announced they would be leasing the premises from owners Wilts and Berks Canal Trust and reopening the pub under new management on Monday, November 27.
But just days before the planned opening, both the brewery and the trust released statements on Facebook confirming they had been unable to come to a “suitable” agreement.
As a result, the pub, despite still being occupied, will remain closed until a new leaseholder can be found.
The trust added that they are in discussions with another potential landlord and are working to find a solution to reopen the venue.
On Tuesday, November 5, a spokesperson for the trust told this paper there had been no further update and that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.
In a Facebook post on the pub’s page, they previously said: “The Trust would like to confirm that we have been unable to agree a suitable arrangement with Broadtown Brewery for the tenancy of the Peterborough Arms.
“We very much enjoyed talking to them and would like to wish Jason and his team well.
“Apologies to all the great customers and locals for the disruption but we are working hard on a solution.
“The pub is still occupied and the Trust is in discussions with another potential leaseholder for the pub.
“Please note though the pub is currently closed and will open again as soon as a new leaseholder is found.”
Broadtown Brewery also confirmed the news, saying they had “pulled out of the running” to take on the pub, and wishing the trust “prosperity for the future.”
Owner Jason Bayliffe had previously praised the Peterborough Arms’ “community spirit”, citing it as a key factor in their interest.
The search for new landlords comes after the retirement of long-serving publicans Brendan and Michelle Watkins, who guided the pub through a number of difficult setbacks.
They kept the popular local open despite the impact of both the pandemic and the closure of the B4069 at Lyneham Banks, which slashed passing traffic.
Despite the disruption, skittles fixtures will still be going ahead at the pub although there will be no alcohol at the venue.
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