Brewery bosses: pub isn't being flattened

Word that the Anchor pub in Liverpool Road, Hutton, is to be demolished has been circulating since the landlord’s sudden departure last month.

For over a fortnight the pub has been locked, despite landlord Martyn Driscoll having announced plans over recent weeks for a ‘Grand Reopening’ for the end of February featuring an X Factor star.

The Greene King brewery said it is hopeful the pub can be reopenedsoon. Earlier this week, lights were seen on at the pub and several vans for Mitie - an outsourcing and energy services company - were seen outside.

A Greene King spokesperson said: “We are working hard to find the right person to take this fantastic business forward on a long-term basis and welcome enquiries from local entrepreneurs. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the pub’s guests by this unexpected closure following the decision by the existing licensee to leave.

“We have no plans to sell the Anchor and it is our aim to have the pub back up and running in the next couple of weeks.”

Mr Driscoll, who took over the pub with partner Liam Mills in January 2014, has declined to comment on their reasons for leaving.

They had only just unveiled a £38,000 overhaul of the toilets, and plans were in place for a new ‘smoke house’ barbecue area, window replacement and play area.