Opening date set for The Farmers Arms pub in Muker

The Farmers Arms in Muker in The Yorkshire Dales will be opening this weekend after a couple have agreed to take on the pub's lease, and have unveiled its plans for the venue. 

Previously bought by the Muker Community Benefit Society (MCBS), following two share offers which brought in investment from as far afield as New Zealand and the USA, The Farmers Arms will open from Sunday (September 22). 

The Farmers Arms (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Over the last couple of weeks, the pub has been open on a drinks-only basis on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7pm, and for darts nights on a Wednesday.

But its new owners Craig and Claire will take over the running of the Farmers Arms on September 22 on a drinks-only basis and aim to provide a food service from Saturday, September 28.

In the meantime, MCBS volunteers will continue to open the pub as currently advertised on the website and updates will be provided on the Muker Community Pub Facebook page.

MCBS Chairman, Professor Sir Mike Richards, has welcomed the new tenants and hopes the venue can be built into the community facility it was bought for. 

The Farmers Arms (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

He said: “From a field of strong candidates, Craig and Claire stood out due to their extensive hospitality and pub experience, and their friendly and hospitable manner.

"They’ve got experience of the needs of small communities and understand the challenges of seasonal businesses.

"More than that they had us laughing within five minutes of meeting them and we’re confident that they’ll provide a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike”.

Most read:

• Family mourn loss of 'beautiful' son at birthday event after horror A1 crash
• 5 drivers named, shamed and fined for speeding on A1(M) in County Durham
• Sex offender tennis coach died in Durham prison from stroke

Subscribe to The Northern Echo now for just £3 for 3 months or 30% off an annual subscription.

He added: “It will be almost a year to the day when the idea of a community pub was first raised.

"Getting to this point has taken a huge amount of effort and we’re immensely grateful for the support, both financial and non-financial, we have received from the people of Upper Swaledale,  the wider Farmers Arms community and the membership. 

"The appointment of Claire and Craig is the last piece in restoring the Farmers Arms to the iconic Dales village pub it has traditionally been and putting it right back at the heart of the community”.