Legh Arms shuts its doors (From Knutsford Guardian)

Legh Arms shuts its doors

2:10pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News By David Morgan

A POPULAR Knutsford drinking spot has closed suddenly.

Legh Arms, on the corner of Brook Street and Legh Road, has shut its doors due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

A spokesman for Marston’s brewery said: “The landlord has filed for administration, and we will be reviewing options on how to proceed as a consequence.”

Residents first noticed that the 16th century pub was shut last Wednesday and the business’ website has also been suspended.

But Adam Keppel-Garner, Knutsford Town Council’s town centre manager, said he was not contacted by landlord Richard Evenden.

One of the pub’s suppliers, who did not wish to be named, said: “Pubs are finding it hard at the moment.

“There’s a lot of competition especially in a small town like Knutsford with a lot of pubs.

“I don’t think it will be empty for long. Someone else will come along with a business plan.”

The Guardian appealed for Mr Evenden and former staff members to get in touch, but had not heard back at the time of going to press.

“It used to be a regular haunt for me,” said Clr Clive Nicholson of Knutsford Town Council.

“I first went there as a young lad. It feels like it’s been in the town forever.

“I’m very sorry that something else in Knutsford has closed.

“It’s a great shame as it served that side of Knutsford very well.

“Let’s hope it reopens again very soon.”

Legh Arms is thought to date back to the 16th century, and was formerly known as the Sword and Serpent.

Twitter user Ainsley Lathrope said: “What a shame. Best pub in Knutsford there. Staff always nice, good beers and great food. Hope it’s only temporary.”