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Search goes on to get oldest pub back on tap

Laura CoffeyNorthamptonshire political reporter, Northampton
News imageCarroll Weston/BBC The exterior of the Old Black Lion pub on a bright and sunny day. It is a brown stone building with dark grey sash style windows. There is a set of dark grey double garage doors to the right. It has a slate grey roof with a chimney stack on the top. Carroll Weston/BBC
The Old Black Lion had been due to open early in 2025 but faced delays

Drinkers looking to quench their thirst at Northampton's oldest pub must wait a while as the hunt for a new operator continues following a £3.5m renovation.

The Grade II listed Old Black Lion on Marefair in Northampton dates back to the 16th Century but has not welcomed patrons since 2018.

West Northamptonshire Council and the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) started work on its revival three years ago, with the trust having already moved its national office into the building last year.

"We're very aware that we're looking for a pub operator at a very difficult time for the hospitality industry," said Matt Storey, head of initiatives and partnerships at CCT.

News imageA man with dark curly hair is looking at the camera. He is wearing a dark jacket and black T-shirt. He is standing in a courtyard with a brick building behind him.
Matt Storey head of initiatives and partnerships at CCT said "we're taking our time" to find an operator

Storey added: "It's not an easy time to be looking for a pub operator. We know that and we recognise that that's probably the main challenge, but we're hopeful that somebody sees what we see in this building and wants to come on board and take it on."

A full opening was expected at the beginning of 2025, but the "complex" project was delayed and Northampton-based Phipps brewery pulled out - prompting a search for a new operator.

Storey said: "We're currently advertising for potential operators, we're working with a commercial letting agent and we very much hope that it's brought back into use in the near future."

News imageCarroll Weston/BBC A cobbled walkway leads up to a courtyard. A double wooden door is open on the right. A black railing is on the left. In the background a man and woman are walking away.Carroll Weston/BBC
Cobbles from Northampton's Market Square have been reused on the site

A spokesperson for the Reform UK-controlled council said: "The completion of the restoration of the Old Black Lion marks an important milestone for Northampton and its rich heritage.

"This project has transformed a long-vacant heritage asset into a welcoming space that celebrates Northampton's history while contributing to the wider regeneration of the Marefair area and the western gateway into the town centre."

The authority says it is "delighted that people can now step inside" the Old Black Lion and "see first-hand the care and craftsmanship" that has gone into bringing it back.

News imageA wooden bar with refreshments on it. Behind the bar a man is standing. There are mirrors behind the bar.
The pub has retained some of its original features but some parts like the bar have been modernised

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