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."
A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.
Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)
News
A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend
Clementine Hall
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Daisy Jackson -
31st March 2022 
