A 400-year-old County Durham pub has reopened after its sudden closure when its landlord suddenly repossessed it.
The George and Dragon welcomed customers back at midday on Friday, September 25, after weeks of uncertainty sparked by a peaceable re-entry notice in its window.
The notice, dated August 11, stated that owner Stonegate had taken back possession of the pub and the lease had been forfeited.
The notice in the window of The George and Dragon, Heighington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
But on August 18, the pub's Facebook page announced a new chapter was coming.
It said: "A fresh new chapter has begun at The George & Dragon, and we can’t wait to welcome you!
"Expect a warm country-pub atmosphere, friendly faces, refreshing drinks and plenty of great times ahead. Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed afternoon, catching up with friends or enjoying an evening out, you’ll always receive a warm welcome.
"Come in, say hello and discover what’s new, we’re excited to meet you!"
The George and Dragon pub in Heighington has been repossessed by its landlord after a notice of peaceable re-entry was placed in the window. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The post also confirmed: "Our long awaited reopening is finally here. The George & Dragon will be back from 12pm, Friday, September 25."
Today, the pub confirmed it is officially back open, a post on Facebook said: "We are open!
"It’s been a wonderful start to our long awaited reopening.
"Happy faces all round. Thanks to everyone for coming in and giving us a warm welcome back so far. We can’t wait to welcome even more."
A peaceable re-entry notice, also known as a forfeiture notice, tells tenants that a landlord or enforcement agent has ended a commercial lease and reclaimed the property.
The notice 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, and its original stables are now guest accommodation.
Despite modern refurbishment, the pub has kept much of its traditional character.
Echo readers recently nominated the George & Dragon as one of the region’s ten best pubs.