The Huntsman pub in Newton Aycliffe announces closure

The Huntsman, on St Elizabeth Close in the County Durham town, closed on Thursday (August 22) with the managers hinting at a disagreement with the pub’s brewery owners.

Posting a statement on social media the pub said: “It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the closure of The Huntsman with immediate effect.

“After a conversation with the brewery this morning regarding outstanding repairs and increasing costs it has become apparent that we are on two different pages over what makes a great pub.

File photo: The Huntsman. Image: SARAH CALDECOTT

“I’d like to thank you all for your support and hope that eventually the Huntsman gets a chance to be the great pub it is destined to be.”

The Northern Echo has contacted brewery Stonegate Group, which owns the pub, for comment.

Customers reacted with disappointment on social media.

Sue Wise said: “So disappointing, you all did so much to make it a proper family-friendly pub with lots going on and fantastic food.”

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Meanwhile, Angie Durham added: “This is very sad news, many a happy memory here.”

The news comes just two years after the pub reopened to the delight of punters.

The pub last shut in January 2022 but new owners stepped in and it reopened in July that year, proving popular with locals.