A POPULAR County Durham pub which closed suddenly to the shock of a community is set to reopen under new management, it has been revealed.
The Huntsman in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe, was shut “with immediate effect” with a post on Facebook in January.
But has been announced to the delight regulars that Greedy Soul has now taken over the pub and plans to reopen at a date to be announced in late July.
Read more: People devastated as Newton Aycliffe pub The Huntsman shuts
In a Facebook post, the new owners said: "We are very pleased to announce that we are officially taking over the Huntsman pub in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe.
"Along with the Fountain and the Derry, the Huntsman fits in perfectly with our growing portfolio of community based pubs.
"We are working towards an opening date of late July, so you won’t have long to wait and we are now looking for highly motivated individuals to join the Greedy Soul team."
More than 300 people have taken to Facebook to welcome the news.
Here is a flavour of what they are saying:
Carol Boyd said: "Good to hear missed our meals at Huntsman."
Deborah Poole wrote: "Excellent News! Can’t wait to get back in", while Paul Murray said "Great news looking forward to the opening. Day, well done guys!"
Rob Turner-Flack added: "Congrats. Looking forward to a pint in the beer garden. Hope the Parmo stays on the menu!"
And Sandra Dixon said: "Can't wait hope the quiz is back on a Tuesday night we use to have a laugh."
Greedy Soul was founded by Neal Bullock, who hails from Middlesbrough.
From humble beginnings at The Fighting Cocks in Middleton St George to his own brand of award-winning cooking at The Cook’s Room in Great Ayton, along the way he has passed through some of the very best kitchens in Scotland, Bermuda, the North East and latterly the offshore sector.
Les Langley, of Darlington, recently joined the team as regional manager.
More to follow on this good news.
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