Scaffolding raises hopes of Sam Smith's pub reopenings in North Yorkshire town

The long-closed Britannia Inn at Tadcaster, which has scaffolding on. (Image: Street View)

Hopes are rising that further Sam Smith’s pubs will re-open in Tadcaster.

Scaffolding has been seen at the long-closed Britannia Inn on Commercial Street overlooking the River Wharfe.

The scaffolding has reportedly been present for several weeks, along with contractors and their vehicles in the pub’s car park.

Scaffolding has also been reported at the nearby Sam Smith’s-owned Bay Horse, which is also close to the river.

Tom Taverner of Malton who posts on Facebook groups concerning the activities of Tadcaster-based Sam Smith’s Brewery has called the scaffolding works “a positive sign” that the Britannia will reopen.

The Britannia Inn, along with several other businesses in the area, suffered extensive flooding following the Boxing Day Floods of 2015, which led to the partial collapse of the 18th Century bridge over the River Wharfe, cutting Tadcaster in two for more than a year until repairs were completed.

Both pubs have been closed since then, though the Bay Horse reportedly reopened briefly.

The Press approached Sam Smith’s for a comment on this, but no response was given.

The scaffolding at the pubs comes as scaffolding has also been placed on the York Arms in High Petergate, with contractors also seen working inside earlier this month.

The Trafalgar Bay is getting ready to reopen on Friday "all being well." (Image: Facebook)

Sam Smith’s Brewery has again declined to comment on what work is planned for the York Arms or when the venue might reopen.

However, the Press has been told by a company source that the brewery hopes to have the pub back open in January.

The move comes as the Tadcaster-based brewery is stepping up its efforts to find managers for its pubs.

Last month, the brewery’s flagship Angel & White Horse reopened in Tadcaster after being closed for seven years.

The pub in Bridge Street is located right next to the brewery.

August also saw the re-opening of the Wellington Inn in Alma Terrace, Fishergate.

This followed the re-opening of the Tankard Inn, Rufforth, on July 22.

In addition, the Trafalgar Bay Inn at 7 Nunnery Lane, York, is planning to re-open this coming Friday “all being well.”

It is currently being spruced up for the Big Day, but the re-opening has been delayed since Tuesday due to “equipment issues” which need resolving first before it can reopen.