New operators pull the plug on landmark Preston pub

The Plungington Hotel in Lytham Road, Fulwood, was bought by Admiral Taverns late last year, and closed in October for renovations.

>>>Read more about the takeover hereIn the five years before that, it had been run by Jeremy Rowlands and Rebecca Scott, who also run The Continenal and Plau in Preston

But the Plungington Hotel has failed to reopen following coronavirus restriction easings, and Admiral Taverns say it is “considering options” for the premises.

The company declined to comment on speculation the pub - which has a large beer garden, formerly a Victorian bowling green - was being sold to a housing developer.

A spokesperson from Admiral Taverns said: “Following regular assessment of our estate, we took the decision that the Plungington Hotel no longer had a long term sustainable future with Admiral Taverns.

“We were in discussions to sell the site to our licensee however these did not progress and the licensee gave us notice to leave the site.

“We are now considering the options for the future of the Plungington Hotel.”

The pub had been known for its food offering, it’s annual gin festival, and events in the beer garden, including a recent charity It’s A Knockout.

Preston drinkers took to social media to discuss the closure, many saying how disappointed they were to hear the news following the closure of the Withy Trees in Lytham Road in 2019.

>>>Read about the Withy Trees hereOne commenter said: “Pretty bad news. Very shortsighted too would have done well this summer with all the outside space.”