Owners of The Running Pump in Catforth announce they are closing the pub business down

Family members Alison,Richard and Claudia Fisher-Godwin have run the country pub for more than four years but following the recent Covid-19 shut down they are unable to carry on with the business.

In a joint message posted on Facebook, Alison, Richard and Claudia said it is 'with great sadness' that they are unable to reopen the pub.

They said: “It has been a wonderful four years building the business, reviving the village pub and developing an innovative, high quality and greatly respected restaurant.

“We feel very proud of our team in having achieved our five star reputation and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Although it has been very challenging at times, it has been a great experience and lots of fun over the years.

“It is extremely distressing to have to make this decision, however we have exhausted our savings and no longer have reserves with which to cope with the increased costs and reduction in revenue that is inevitable during the coming months.

“The loss of the beer garden has also exacerbated the issues of social distancing and further reduces our ability to bring in sufficient revenue.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank you all for supporting us over the past few years and we really will miss you all greatly. We also thank our wonderful staff for their loyalty and hard work.

“We very much hope that the pub will be taken on by a new landlord so that Catforth can keep this vital social hub and are sad that unfortunately it cannot be us who take it forward.

“Many thanks to you all again and we wish you all the best for the future.”

More than 200 people have commented on the Facebook post praising the family for running the pub for the last few years and also sharing their sadness that the pub will not be reopening under their ownership.

It is hoped new licensees will be able to take on the pub so it can still be open for the the community.