Pub landlords leave after talks fail

THE landlord and landlady of a Portishead pub closed its doors for the final time last weekend.

Ian and Zoe Clarke left The Poacher, which they had run for the past three years, saying it had become impossible to make a living from the business.

Zoe blamed the cost of rent and tied beers and said: “It was our choice to leave. We tried to negotiate terms with owners Enterprise Inns but were unable to agree an acceptable contract to make it worthwhile.”

Lyndon Stevens and Tina Norman, of Westward Management Services, will be running the High Street pub open until a long-term tenant can be found.

They have their sights set on re-opening the kitchen, introducing a menu of home cooked, traditional pub food and running specials for senior citizens.

They also plan to continue with live entertainment at weekends and will be talking to their customers about any existing activities they would like to see continue.

Meanwhile, Ian will continue to work for the security services overseas and Zoe says she has a number of offers open to her which she will consider once she has taken a short break.

During their three years at The Poacher, the couple continually organised fundraising events and activities, raising in the region of £10,000 for various charities including Help for Heroes.