Earlestown: Town centre Newmarket closes after landlord dispute

Facing the Market Square on the corner of Market Street, the Newmarket pub has been a prominent part of Earlestown for decades.

The previous landlords allege that the pub company went back on its word regarding a planned refurb, and so took the decision to relocate to a different venue.

Trust Inns, however, said it does not have any imminent plans to refurbish the Newmarket, and had been looking for new management after the venue closed its doors on Sunday, July 21.

It is understood that the pub company has now found new tenants and the pub will re-open, following some internal works, in the coming weeks.

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Inside one of the rooms at the Newmarket (Image: Trust Inns)
In a statement shared on Facebook, previous landlady Esther said: "Myself and Jay would like to thank all our customers for your support and kindness over the past eight years, but the time has come to move to pastures new!

"Unfortunately, the brewery, [after] having promised for extensive refurb work to be carried out, has now gone back on their word just as we were about to sign a 3 year deal.

"We feel they have let both us and our customers down by letting the pub fall into such a bad state of repair without the prospect of them ever doing what they promised!

"We will miss you all however we’re not a million miles away and you’ll still see familiar faces over our new bar! Hope to see you all very soon, god bless and good luck."

The pub company is looking for a new landlord (Image: Trust Inns)
As Esther and Jay have now left the Newmarket, Trust Inns had been looking for new landlords to take over the Market Street pub.

A spokesperson for the pub company said: "Trust Inns does not have any imminent plans to carry out a major refurbishment of the Newmarket Public House.

"We do however intend to carry out an external re-decoration of the property in 2024, and this is still our intention.

"We would not rule out further investment if the plans for the regeneration of Earlestown town centre come to fruition.

"In the meantime, the previous landlords have decided to terminate their short term agreement and pursue another opportunity.

"Trust Inns is looking forward to working with our new tenant to improve the offer at the Newmarket for the local community.

"I would ask the regulars and locals to bear with the new tenant as the pub has been left in a condition that is unfit to trade and we are looking to re-open the doors as soon as possible."

Information on the pub company's website states that the renting price of the pub is £23,100 with a deposit of £3,000.

The pub, which has a central bar, two rooms, and a courtyard drinking area, has also served food with its small catering kitchen, and boasts an off-set ground floor function room for events.

The Newmarket has also been a popular place for darts teams and regulars to watch live sports, and has three bedrooms that can act as upstairs accommodation.