A Newton Aycliffe pub remains closed while its barristers and landlord try to settle a legal dispute.
The Huntsman, on St Elizabeth Close, was closed after Stonegate issued a peaceable re-entry notice on September 23.
The pub said it would remain closed “at the minute” while both sides tried to settle the dispute.
The Huntsman said: "Our barristers and Stonegate are currently in discussions in an attempt to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible."
The pub also addressed what it described as "rumours currently circulating" about the circumstances behind the closure.
The Huntsman in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe has suddenly closed as the landlord has repossessed the pub (Image: STUART BOULTON)
It said: "We are involved in an ongoing legal dispute with Stonegate concerning another site in Carlisle, where we maintain that a considerable amount of money is owed to us."
"While that dispute continues, Stonegate has taken action to close The Huntsman without prior notice. Our position is that this represents a breach of the lease, and the matter is now being handled by our barristers."
The pub said its barristers, Stuart and Charlie from Cerulian Law, “specialise in cases involving Stonegate” and were “very hopeful that a resolution can be reached soon”.
The original peaceable re-entry notice, signed and dated September 23, said 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.
Notice in the window of The Huntsman pub in Woodham (Image: STUART BOULTON)
The notice said the lease “has become forfeit” and the premises had been secured.
The notice warned that only Stonegate-authorised people could enter the pub and that unauthorised entry “is likely to amount to a criminal offence which may result in prosecution”.
The Huntsman said it had offered staff temporary work at other sites while the dispute continued.
The pub said: "Our staff are extremely important to us, and while this situation is ongoing, all members of The Huntsman team have been offered temporary positions at our other sites."
Customers with upcoming bookings were also asked to contact the pub directly.
The Huntsman said: "We sincerely apologise to our customers, staff and everyone affected by the closure. Thank you for your patience, understanding and all the messages of support we have received."
"We are doing everything we can to resolve the situation and get The Huntsman back open as soon as possible."
The Huntsman in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe has suddenly closed as the landlord has repossessed the pub (Image: STUART BOULTON)
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The pub also closed in August 2024 after managers cited disagreements with Stonegate over repairs and rising costs.
The Northern Echo contacted Stonegate Group for comment but received no response before publication.