Concerned campaigners seek new owners for historic Northumberland pub amid fear it could be lost forever
Campaigners are appealing to experienced owners and operators to consider taking on a Northumberland pub.
The Star Inn in Netherton in the Upper Coquet Valley boasts features of truly outstanding heritage importance but it sadly closed in 2023 due to the ill-health of the landlady.
It is described by Historic England as a ‘rare example of a modest and largely unaltered Edwardian public house of great character’ and is especially notable for its simplicity of layout and fittings.
The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Pub Heritage Group is concerned that greedy developers might only have eyes for its potential for conversion.
There are fears that if the premises has not found a buyer during the marketing period, then a planning application for redevelopment could be submitted, leading to this historic gem being potentially lost forever.
Paul Ainsworth, chair of CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group, said: “Entering Netherton's only pub is like stepping back in time, with parts of the current building dating back to the 19th century.
"Losing such a treasure would not only strike yet another blow against our ever-depleting national pub heritage, but deprive the Netherton community, present and future, of a social hub that has served them for generations.
“The Star Inn is listed, but the clock is ticking. If there is no buyer, the planners might well approve a change of use, even though this is a time when the constant haemorrhaging of our nation’s pubs is causing huge public concern.”
He added: “Netherton lies at the heart of rural Northumberland, with the National Trust's renowned visitor magnet of Cragside only 14 miles away, and a new operator would be well-placed to take advantage of the region's booming tourism scene.
"A thriving pub that is also a heritage attraction in itself could drive more footfall and invigorate the whole area even more.”
The dates back to 1788. It was then extended significantly in 1902. It is the only pub in Northumberland to appear in every Good Beer Guide for 40 consecutive years from 1974 to 2013 inclusive.
The pub is on the market with Ayre Property Services with a guide price of £385,000.