by Michelle Horst
Stackhouse Bar has been an attraction for real ale fans in Hornsea for almost 10 years – but customers arrived over the weekend to discover a peaceable repossession notice had been granted to the property landlord.
A notice on the Newbegin premises stated: “On 21 May 2024 Peaceable Repossession of the above premises/land was secured as a result of your breach of terms of the said lease which you have failed to remedy following the service of Section 146 Notices requiring you to remedy such breaches.”
Jim Thornton, of the neighbouring tattoo parlour Designs on You, said: “I’m gutted. It was a great place to drink. Lucy’s made that place a community. Where will everyone go?”
A regular who wished to remain anonymous said of the sudden closure: “It doesn’t make sense. It’s a great place, and always busy.”
The independent bar began business as a pop-up bar at the Hornsea Carnival in 2014 and has since developed a loyal following. It was also highly commended by the Yorkshire Wolds branch of Camra.
Stackhouse used social media to inform their Facebook followers: “We’d like to thank everyone for their messages of support and help over the last couple of weeks but unfortunately Stackhouse Bar Hornsea will not reopen at 8 Newbegin.”
Outside the empty bar, others gathered confused. One commented: “It’s a shame. We came all the way to Hornsea for a drink and to meet friends. The beers they serve aren’t available in other pubs here. I hope they sort it out.”
Because of the legal matters surrounding the closure no one was available for comment at the time of going to press. However, the social media account went on to clearly state:
“1. Each and every alleged breach detailed in the notice served by the property landlord is refuted.
“2. This matter has not been determined by the court but by the landlord and their lawyers.
“3. We are not going to challenge the forfeiture of the lease or seek relief as to do so will cost in excess of £15,000 – money which we do not have.”
The post finished with concern for staff who are now out of work. “The five members of staff and the owner/founder of the business are, for the time being, without an income from Stackhouse Bar. We are having to start again.”
Customers responded with good wishes, and hope of seeing a new Stackhouse premises in Hornsea in the near future.
