The managing director of the group that runs the beloved Strickland Arms pub has discussed the reasons behind the recent closure announcement.
Martin Ainscough, the managing director of Ainscough’s Group, which also runs The Derby Arms in Witherslack, has spoken to The Westmorland Gazette after it was announced on Monday (September 15) that the Strickland Arms, Sizergh, will be closing at the end of the month.
Mr Ainscough put the closure down to several important factors.
He said: “It all boils down to the fact that the pub industry is going through a very tough time.”
He continued: “It is not a sustainable business anymore. Our costs have risen since we started in terms of labour and everything else.
“And it’s a very seasonable business up in the Lake District as all those people running pubs know.”
Mr Ainscough pointed to other factors, such as the struggle of keeping a team together to operate the establishment all year round, too.
However, one of the major reasons behind the decision to shut the Strickland Arms was due to the lease itself.
The lease that Mr Ainscough signed 20 years ago with the National Trust was a lengthy 40 years long.
However, with a break clause coming up in the negotiated contract, Mr Ainscough decided it was time to part ways and not commit to another 20 years.
Nevertheless, the managing director did have a message for the pub’s regulars and all the clientele who have ventured to the pub in the 20 years since they took over.
He said: “I’d really like to thank all our customers from over the 20 years for their support, who helped us build a really fun pub, I just wish it could be more profitable.”
Mr Ainscough also said that he does hope that whoever does take the pub on can make a go of it.
Following the pub’s closure, residents in the nearby town of Kendal reacted in great sadness to the news.
One person took to social media and wrote: “Really sad to read this.”
Whilst another spoke about its great location: “Fantastic pub, walkable from Kendal along the river/canal. Great food, lovely garden, dog-friendly. They will be missed.”
Finally, Mr Ainscough said that he does hope to see some of the Strickland Arms regulars at their other pub, the Derby Arms soon.
Share