Village pub to reopen weeks after sudden closure
BBCA historic pub in Darley Abbey is set to reopen its doors weeks after it was suddenly shut down.
The Abbey, a Samuel Smith's Brewery pub, closed in May after photos of inside the building were shared online.
The venue is expected to reopen on 20 June, with new landlords Maria and Martin taking over.
Martin Repton, a councillor at Derby City Council, told the BBC: "They're excited and determined to make sure that it works for everybody concerned, the local community and wider, and indeed Sam Smith's Brewery."
Repton added: "I've been in contact with the new managers, they're a well-known, much-loved local experienced couple who live in Darley Abbey.
"It's absolutely superb news after its shock closure only a few weeks ago."
The building dates back to the 15th Century and is one of the last surviving buildings from a great monastery.
The Augustinian Abbey of St Mary was once the largest and richest abbey in the county but was largely destroyed following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538.
The Grade II listed two-storey building that will house the pub is among its few remains.
Samuel Smith's operates about 200 pubs across the UK and is famous for its strict rules laid down by owner Humphrey Smith.
These include a no-swearing policy, no televisions or jukeboxes and a ban on the use of mobile phones or laptops in its public houses.
Before the pub reopened in September 2024, it had remained shut for five years.
Repton, who was part of the campaign to reopen it back then, added: "That was a real worry, because we had five years where nobody was coming forward and we were concerned about its future and the fabric of the building, which is a Grade II* listed building of national importance.
"We're absolutely relieved and delighted and can't wait for June 20 to come. I'll certainly be there on the Friday night enjoying a pint."
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