News Landlord to go but business to stay open
The landlord at The Vikings pub in Goole has scotched rumours that it is about to close.
John Oates Smith said it was "business as usual" at the popular pub/restaurant, despite widespread rumours that it was up for sale.
He added that the pub, on Airmyn Road, would change hands but would not necessarily be put up for sale.
The building itself would remain under the stewardship of pub company Enterprise Inns, which owns the freehold to the site.
Mr Oates Smith, who owns the leasehold to the pub, said: "There have been a lot of rumours that the Vikings Hotel is up for sale, but it's not shut and it's certainly not up for sale."
He added, however: "There may be a change in the Vikings' ownership in the near future, but not necessarily a sale. There may be an opportunity for another person to take it into the future; for now it's business very much as usual."
Mr Oates Smith, who used to own Fullers' bakers, said there had been "numerous people" showing an interest in running The Vikings.
Mr Oates Smith, who spoke to the Goole Times from the Vikings on Monday, said he had decided to call it a day because he and his wife Fiona were moving to Gloucester, where he is pursuing other business interests.
However, he declined to say what those business interests were.
"The business arrangements are not finalised at this moment in time," he said.
The Vikings, which opened 40 years ago, is a popular venue for wedding receptions, charity nights and birthday parties. One employee said: "As far as we know, it's business as usual and we are safe in our jobs."
Meanwhile, Mr Oates Smith was quick to douse speculation that 13, the bar/restaurant which he opened in October last year, was also due to close.
The trendy bar in Hook, which was formerly the Blacksmiths Arms, was closed temporarily on Sunday for what most people thought was a refurbishment.
Mr Oates Smith said it had been closed to give workers time to remove asbestos from the cellar. He added that the bar would be reopened, though he did not know when.
A spokeswoman for Birmingham-based Enterprise Inns said: "The [Vikings] is definitely not for sale. It is open and trading and it's business as usual."
She added that it was up to the licensee whether the pub was sold or not.
Published on 12th June 2008 in News.
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