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The tenancy of an iconic Ribchester pub is up for grabs after the landlady made the reluctant decision to put the business up for sale.
Julie Gainford has run the White Bull, Church Street, Ribchester, for the past 18-months alongside her partner, Dee Patel.
However, she said the ill-health of a close relative meant she was now away from the village on a regular basis and it was the right time for someone with fresh impetus to take on the pub and restaurant.
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Speaking to Blog Preston in the White Bull’s suntrap of a beer garden at the rear of the pub, Julie said: “I have been travelling from Lancashire to Kent and back to care for a close relative and it has simply become too much.
“I’ve talked it through with family and friends and me and Dee really feel it is the right time to sell the business and let someone new put their stamp on it. Family has to come first on this occasion.”
The couple will run the pub until a new tenant is found and Julie said she was proud of what they had achieved in their short time in the hospitality trade.
Julie added: “Our food is very highly rated on TripAdvisor and since we converted the back room into the ‘Champagne Stable’, that has become very popular as a party venue. We also have a number of weddings booked in, which has been an amazing area of growth.”
The White Bull also has three ensuite guest rooms and is a freehold business with no links to a brewery. The building is owned by a private landlord.
“Everyone has been lovely since we have been here and we have made some great friends through the pub. We have every intention of staying in the village but we just feel now is the right time for someone new to take it on,” said Julie.
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