Pub put on the market after ‘locals launched hostile social media campaign'

The owners of a Warwickshire pub have placed the property on the market after claiming locals had launched a social media campaign that made the business unviable.

Jacqueline Harding and Steve Allely bought the Grade II listed Fox and Hounds in 2015 when the Great Wolford pub was trading at a low level and spent £40,000 on a refurbishment programme.

But, their plans did not meet with the approval of locals. The business later closed and a planning applications to convert it into homes was submitted with the local council.

Harding and Allely have now decided to sell the property through Colliers International with director Peter Brunt describing the sale as one of the "most unusual" cases he had come across.

Brunt said: "I had sold the pub to the current owners in 2015 but for whatever reason Jackie and Steve's refurbishment did not sit well with some of the locals who began a hostile social media campaign calling on people to boycott the business.

"This has hamstrung Jackie and Steve's attempts to turn the business around and they have been forced, reluctantly, to place this genuinely delightful pub on the market with offers invited in the region of £550,000."

The pub, which dates from the 1540s, has three letting rooms alongside two bedrooms for owner accommodation as well as historic features including flagged floors, low beams and an open fireplace.

Brunt added: "The inn is presently closed but could be a real foodie haven. It has been at the heart of the village since 1540 and lies at the centre of a network of ancient footpaths and bridleways which makes it particularly attractive for walkers. It now has an Asset of Community Value notification registered on it.

"The Fox and Hounds is everything you would hope to find in a pretty Cotswold village."

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