The popular ex-Army landlord of The Rising Sun in Shelley has claimed he has been given just two days to pack up and leave the Huddersfield pub.
Andy Scott says the demand was sprung on him yesterday (Tues) by his area manager on behalf of pub giant Marston’s.
But a spokesperson for Marston’s has insisted Mr Scott has been ‘fully aware of the situation regarding the pub at all times’.
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Last week, YorkshireLive reported regulars at the pub were threatening a boycott over what they have described as ‘shoddy treatment’ of the popular landlord.
Mr Scott, 49, took the reigns at the hostelry in Penistone Road almost three years ago and says he has spent £40,000 of his own money on renovating it.
“Business has been good – I spent the whole of lockdown working every day to get the pub to how it should be,” he told YorkshireLive.
(Image: Facebook)
“I knew it was a risk spending my own money, but the aim was always to buy the pub. I have worked seven days a week for the past two-and-a-half years.”
Mr Scott claims he was originally quoted a ballpark figure by Marston’s for the pub, but he said: “Covid happened and all agreements disappeared.”
He added a recent valuation of The Rising Sun in Shelley has added an extra £160,000 on top of the original price.
The 49-year-old claims he was recently given the choice of buying the hostelry, signing a five-year contract, or handing in his six months’ notice.
“I was quite happy with the short-term agreement we had – which was one year at a time,” he said. “I wanted more information on what was included in the contract.”
He says he then made the decision to hand in his notice after being given a deadline.
Said Mr Scott: “I was later told that once the pub went on the market I would be given two weeks’ notice if someone came forward to take the pub on.”
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But Mr Scott says he has now been told he must be out by noon on Friday.
“I am still in shock,” he said. “I have two days to clear my pub and my home. It is three or four weeks’ worth of work in two days, which I think is unreasonable.
“I knew it was a risk spending my own money, but it’s really killing me – the whole community is upset about it.
“It is like a divorce. I just didn’t expect it so quickly.”
Mr Scott says he is now worried he will not have enough time to find somewhere else to live.
“I haven’t really got anywhere to go. I have no home and no business. I do not have enough time to find somewhere to live.”
He added members of the community have since rallied to offer support, with removal vans, labour and storage units all offered to him.
Since posting the news of his imminent departure to a Facebook page dedicated to The Rising Sun in Shelley, Mr Scott has received numerous messages of support.
One member said: “Outrageous! Very sorry to hear this!”
A second commented: “I have no words… so very sorry to hear this. If there is anything we can do to help please will you let us know.”
And a third added: “Really sorry to hear this. Gutted for you after all the hard work you have put in…”
A spokesperson for Marston’s reiterated a comment given to YorkshireLive on September 1. He said: “We wish Mr Scott success in his next venture and would like to thank him for his time at the Rising Sun, Mr Scott was fully aware of the situation regarding the future of the pub at all times.”
Marston’s has been approached for further comment.
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