(Image: STUART BOULTON)
A Newton Aycliffe pub has been repossessed a by its landlord over an 'ongoing dispute'.
The Huntsman, on St Elizabeth Close, was temporarily closed after Stonegate issued a peaceable re-entry notice on September 23.
The notice says Stonegate Pub Company Ltd, acting for freehold owner Ei Group Ltd, had “today re-entered the premises” under powers in a lease dated March 26, 2025.
It states that as a result of the re-entry, the lease "has become forfeit" and the premises had been secured.
Notice in the window of The Huntsman pub in Woodham (Image: STUART BOULTON)
The notice warns that only people authorised by Stonegate may enter the pub, while unauthorised entry “is likely to amount to a criminal offence which may result in prosecution”.
The Huntsman confirmed the closure in a post on its Facebook page.
A pub spokesperson said: “Important Update - The Huntsman. Unfortunately, The Huntsman is temporarily closed following action taken by Stonegate today.
"There is an ongoing dispute regarding the lease, and the matter is now being handled by our barristers. On their advice, we won’t be commenting further on the circumstances at this stage.
"Our priority is our fantastic staff and loyal customers, and we want to reassure everyone that we are doing everything possible to get The Huntsman back open as soon as possible.
"Thank you to everyone for your patience, messages and continued support. It really does mean a lot to all of us. We’ll update you as soon as we have more information. We’ll be back.”
The Huntsman in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe has suddenly closed as the landlord has repossessed the pub (Image: STUART BOULTON)
The notice was signed and dated September 23, 2026.
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The Huntsman in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe has suddenly closed as the landlord has repossessed the pub (Image: STUART BOULTON)
The Northern Echo contacted Stonegate Group and The Huntsman but received no response before publication.
The pub previously closed in August 2024 after managers cited disagreements with Stonegate over repairs and rising costs, before reopening under new management on October 11 that year.
A peaceable re-entry notice, also known as a notice of forfeiture, states that a commercial lease has ended and possession of the property has been taken back by the landlord or enforcement agent.