Northumberland pub sold following death of respected landlord

Bill Akers, the well-respected landlord of the White Horse on Castlegate, passed away in October after a short battle with cancer.

The pub is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions but the new owner intends to reopen later in the year after renovations have been carried out.

Bill came to Berwick 11 years ago and built up a popular and successful business.

He had served in the Royal Navy but his main career had been as a health and safety manager in heavy industry.

He also had experience in the hospitality industry as a former chairman of the Working Men’s Club in his home town of Consett.

He had also run hotels in County Durham and on Tenerife and was secretary/treasurer of the Berwick LVA for some six years.

His widow, Anne, said: “I am totally devastated by his death. We thought we had a few more years together. I am so sad that he didn’t get a chance to retire and relax.

"Having said that, we have travelled all over the world in the last eight years since we married.

"I am pleased that the White Horse will remain a public house and that the tradition of serving the community will continue in these difficult times.

"I hope the people of Berwick and the tourists who visit the town will support the buyer in his new venture.”

Anne intends to hold a celebration of Bill’s life in the White Horse when it is safe to do so.

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