A COUPLE are just weeks away from reopening a historic Teesdale pub which has been revamped to ensure its long-term survival.
Sir Edward and Lady Natalie Milbank, who own the Barningham Estate, say the renovation scheme at the Milbank Arms, in the village, has become a labour of love.
They say they are not trying to turn it into a money-spinner but instead want to provide a community hub for the estate and village.
Sir Edward said: “Most advice we have received from caterers and people in the pub trade is that it needs to make such-and-such a return. But the way we see it is not about the money. It’s not going to be a big profitable enterprise. If we get the money back that we have spent, we will be grateful.”
Lady Natalie added: “Pubs are shutting at an alarming rate. People’s gathering places are diminishing. A way of life in villages is diminishing. We have to fight to keep the building upright and the institution upright. It’s about the village and the bigger picture for us.”
The couple have revamped the centuries-old pub, expanding the solitary room into the rest of the property. It will provide more space for customers who will also get a choice of four luxury bedrooms. A kitchen has been built at the back, which will serve local food from the estate including beef, lamb and grouse.
An orchard is also being planted which will one day see regulars supping home-brewed cider in the new beer garden at the back.
Sir Edward and Lady Natalie have searched auction rooms for historic pictures of the area, and have restored signs from the pub’s past. These will adorn the walls of the Milbank Arms, along with a who’s who list of former landlords. In a further nod to its heritage, former publican Neil Turner will pour the first pint, or one of his legendary cocktails, when the pub reopens on June 1.
A village raffle has been organised with the first prize of drinking that first pint, along with a three-course dinner for six people and two bottles of wine. All funds raised will go to the upkeep of the village hall and church.
Real ale enthusiasts had been upset last year that the pub would lose its charm – the Milbank Arms had been one of the few pubs without a bar and the publican had to fetch the drinks from a cellar.
But the Milbanks say the critics did not understand that their aim is to save the pub. It simply could not go on forever in its present state, they say.
“It’s still a heritage pub. We are deeply tied and absolutely passionate about the history of the area. We feel it’s very important to reflect the story of the village. But it’s not about preserving a museum,” said Sir Edward.
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The pub will retain Mr Turner’s famous cocktail list, although the Milbanks say one or two of the racy names he gave to his concoctions would be watered down, although the recipes wouldn’t be.
Serving food will be an important part of the enterprise, but Sir Edward said residents have made it clear that they also want to pop in just for a pint. Sir Edward’s second cousin, Jack Milbank, works in the brewing industry and will produce a batch of Milbank Arms IPA for the public re-launch of the pub, which will be open seven days a week.
The Milbanks will run the business, but the management and staffing will be provided by Coghlans, which runs a restaurant and bakery on the estate. It is estimated the venture will create six or seven full-time jobs, say the couple whose aim has been to fly the flag for the area.
“The construction project has involved all local Teesdale people – from the Teesdale stone slate roof to the relaying of the original stone flag floor,” said Lady Milbank.
The couple are also keen to stress the pub’s green credentials – it will have electric car charging points and be heated by biomass. A car parking area will be created and screened by trees.
Sir Edward said he is keen to attract tourists who will be able to explore the estate and see its wildlife, including the rare black grouse population.
“People will be able to stay in a cool local pub, enjoy steak and chips and have a pint, and then go out in the morning,” he said. “We have designed things to how we would want them. Often you only get the choice of staying in a hotel or a pub. Sometimes it’s hard to get the balance – to be able to stay in a lovely bedroom with a good pub and food down below.”
Visit themilbankarms.com
Raffle tickets are available at Coghlan’s Tea Room at Barningham Coach House and The Bowes Museum.
