The Moorcock, one of the country's best gastropubs and a staple of Yorkshire's culinary scene, has announced its shock closure.
The pub and restaurant in Norland, Sowerby Bridge, is included in the Michelin Guide, named in the Top 50 Gastropubs, and has received rave reviews from The Times' Marina O'Loughlin as well as from us here at The Hoot.
Despite its global reputation, its owners have announced in an emotional statement that The Moorcock's days are numbered.
Aimee Turford, who runs the business with her partner Alisdair Brooke-Taylor, confirmed that it would cease trading in January next year.
The Moorcock pub in Sowerby Bridge announced its closure last night.
The decision has been prompted by the end of their five-year lease, as well as the 'unstable world' of rising costs, supply issues and 'looming recession'.
She wrote: "Frankly, it’s just no time to be running a small business like ours."
The heartfelt statement, which she said 'reads like an obituary', also thanked the hoards of 'brilliant people' who have supported The Moorcock every step of the way.
It says: "We feel such a deep affection for what our little place has become. A pub, a really good pub, with walkers and dogs and destination diners and locals and foodie-people, all mixed and mingled in together.
"This is our little place. Very much a ‘gnarly boozer’ (Mandy Wragg) on the outside, but which just brims with warmth on the inside. Where the flaws and the charm are all sort of mixed up together; inextricable. The antithesis of a shiny veneer with little substance."
Aimee's post goes on to stress the amount of effort that goes into every tiny detail in The Moorcock, down to the ingredients created in-house and the drinks list that has 'something for everyone'.
Food at The Moorcock. Credit: The Hoot
It continues: "We have met so many brilliant people along the way- hundreds of you- who have supported us. Those that visit for food, for company, for the wine list or a few pints.
"Those who bring produce, come along to help with DIY and gardening, our neighbours who will get us out of trouble with anything from loo rolls to change- and more.
"There are those that have picked us up when we were down, especially during the pandemic. It’s been a truly special experience. One that can never be repeated or replaced, at least, not by us."
The Moorcock has stated that it has 'no plans' to try and recreate the magic of the pub in a new site.
The Moorcock has announced its closure. Credit: The Moorcock
But it is urging people to pay a visit before January to make 'the rest of our time here a celebration of The Moorcock'.
"Not much in life lasts forever, does it," their statement says. "But sometimes, knowing when something will end makes it easier to make the most of what’s left. We certainly plan to do just that."
And it adds: "We cannot know what is next for The Moorcock, but we are grateful to have been a little piece of its history. Love or loathe us, we suspect this incarnation will be remembered for a while. And we will never forget this little pub on this windy hill. With its wild weather, warm people and those sunsets. Which gave a lot and took a lot. In a way that things in life can sometimes."
One of the best-preserved mills in Britain has been taken over by four new owners.
And they've got big plans for the place.
Will Habergham, Terry George, Michael Rothwell and Kirk Allen have taken ownership of Thwaite Mills - a Grade II listed site at Stourton, Leeds, that will start to undergo a full restoration this week, more than two years after the mill closed to the public in April 2024.
The work is expected to take around 12 months and will be carried out alongside volunteers from Friends of Thwaite Mills, the supporters' group the new owners are relaunching as part of the project.
Image: Supplied
No reopening date has been set yet, but early plans include reopening the mill as a working museum, a pub and cafe with canal-side seating, and fully landscaped grounds free for walkers, runners and dog walkers to use.
Not only that, but a programme of free family events is planned and the owners are exploring the return of the craft fairs and car boot sales that the site was once known for.
"Thwaite Mills was saved by its community once before, and it'll be brought back by its community now," said Will Habergham, director of Thwaite Mills.
"We're not going to disappear for a year and come back with a ribbon to cut. We want people watching it happen, turning up, and telling us what they want this place to be."
Built between 1823 and 1825, Thwaite Mills worked first as a flax mill and later produced whiting and paint, operating commercially until 1975, when a broken weir threatened its future. Local volunteers stepped in to save it the following year, and it opened as a museum in 1990, welcoming visitors until it closed in April 2024.
And now, Thwaite Mills is set to enter a brand-new era and you can follow the restoration journey here.
An après-ski themed beer house is opening on Leeds’ Call Lane this October
Clementine Hall
Lederhosen at the ready Leeds, because a new party bar is coming to the city.
Taking over the former Revolución de Cuba venue on Call Lane, the site will close for a major refurbishment before reopening in October as the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK.
This isn't your average bar, guests can expect a proper themed experience with dancing bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis, DJs and interactive entertainment alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and wursts bringing the on-the-slopes atmosphere to the city.
Basically, it's time to cancel your upcoming skip trip as Barbara's will be bringing the slopes to you.
Image: Supplied
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said about the opening: “Leeds has a fantastic nightlife scene, so it’s the perfect place for Barbara’s Bier Haus.
"The city is known for its energy and its love of a good night out, and Barbara’s brings something a little different with its après-ski theme, entertainment and big party atmosphere. We’re really excited to bring Barbara’s to Leeds and can’t wait to get the doors open this October.”
Images: Supplied
The upcoming Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Barbara’s Bier Haus across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its core brands following its acquisition of 20 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues earlier this year.
Further details on the Leeds opening of Barbara's Bier Haus, including exclusive launch events and entertainment schedules will be announced ahead of October - and we'll of course be bringing you all the details.
Daisy Jackson -
31st March 2022 
