Broughtonlocal

Couple leave pub as talks fail in bid to buy business

Last updated at 13:28, Friday, 24 February 2012

LANDLORDS have called time on a popular village pub after they claimed it was no longer a viable business.

Angie and Michael Anthonisz ran the High Cross Inn in Broughton for almost three years.

But the couple have now left the pub after saying they could no longer make a living from it.

They were renting the pub from Chris Burgess, but after failing to reach an agreement to buy it, announced their intention to leave.

The couple renovated the dining room and installed a solar-powered water heating system.

Mrs Anthonisz said she was sad to leave the pub.

She added: “Unfortunately after nearly three years in residence it became apparent that it wasn’t viable as a business in its current guise.

“That’s not to say that it couldn’t ever be possible but a variety of factors have contributed to our decision. It is a real shame that it didn’t work out at the High Cross.

“Pub owners and breweries need to adjust their rental expectations as the business just isn’t at the same levels as it has been in the past.”

The couple left the pub after Mr Anthonisz received a job offer ‘too good to turn down’.

But Mrs Anthonisz said: “I will always look back on my time at the High Cross fondly. Despite the long hours, it was a rewarding experience.”

Brothers Chris and Andrew Burgess, who own the pub, said they had re-opened it.

Chris Burgess said: “We are open from Wednesday to Sunday at present. But we can only do so much as we have other jobs. We’re working hard at it – the doors are open and the atmosphere is flooding back.

“We are planning to do meals at weekends – we have a good chef and the support of the locals.

“We do have plans but we’re considering our options.”

First published at 13:13, Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk