(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A 400-year-old village pub near Darlington is set to reopen soon under new management after its landlord repossessed the building.
The George and Dragon in Heighington suddenly closed earlier this month, with a notice of peaceable re-entry appearing in the window.
The notice, dated August 11, stated that owner Stonegate had taken back possession of the pub and the lease had been forfeited.
A notice of peaceable re-entry, also known as a notice of forfeiture, is a document left by a landlord or enforcement agent stating that a commercial lease has been ended and possession of the property taken back.
It was understood the pub was expected to get new owners.
Now Stonegate has confirmed the popular village boozer will reopen under new management.
A spokesperson for The George and Dragon, Stonegate said: “The George and Dragon, Heighington looks forward to reopening soon and continuing to welcome guests as usual under new management.
"We're looking forward to working with the new operator to build on the pub's strong reputation within the local community.”
The previous leaseholders did not wish to comment when previously contacted by the Echo.
The notice displayed at the pub warned: "Only persons authorised by us are entitled to enter the premises and any attempt by any person without our authority to enter the premises is likely to amount to a criminal offence which may result in prosecution."
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The former coaching inn has welcomed travellers for centuries.
Its original stables have since been converted into guest accommodation, while the pub itself has retained much of its traditional character despite modern refurbishment.
The George and Dragon was recently nominated by Echo readers as one of the ten best pubs in the region.