The Stags Head, Goosnargh

Sadly the previous comments and views all seem to have reach a rather pathetic conclusion. Sadly for the people of the vilage not the over inflated landlord. His activities as reported by friends who live there have been nothing short of bizarre. Sacks his top bar staff for phoning the police when a patient from the near by hospital was in danger of being knocked down. Half the locals boycot the place. He decides to shut the pub at all different times whether you had just got a drink or not. Breaks his brother in laws jaw for asllegedly stealing. The story could continue - below is from the Lancashire Evening Post.

Published on Wednesday 14 March 2012 09:12

An award-winning village pub which closed down suddenly has been left looking like a �horrible� shell after its contents were stripped out.

The Stag�s Head, in Whittingham Lane, Goosnargh, was renowned for its food, traditional character and beer garden, but is now shut and its bar area cleared of many of its fixtures and fittings.

Neighbours and former locals said the pub was emptied shortly after it closed with reports kitchen appliances, copper piping, tables and chairs have been removed.

When the Evening Post visited the pub, which closed around a month ago, the bar area was empty, and the remains of a large fire were visible in the beer garden.

The pub is owned by Scottish and Newcastle Pub Company, and was leased by publican Mike Robins, who took over around a year ago, after running bars in Spain. But the brewery was unable to reveal details of the lease, including ownership of the fixture and fittings.

Neighbours today spoke of their shock at the state of the pub which was last year given the Business Achievement Award for Pub Restaurant of the Year.

Mark Watkinson, 38, who lives in the village and was a pub regular, said: �We have got the field day (Goosnargh and Whittingham Whitsuntide Festival).

�We are concerned it won�t happen.

�It looks like he has taken the kitchen. The tables and chairs have been removed, they have been there since I was born.

�It is horrible what�s happened. Goosnargh used to have three pubs then it was down to two and now there is only one open.

�We need to keep the everything (community facilities) together, that�s why hopefully we can get this back up and running but it will need a lot of work doing to it.�

Mrs Haigh, who lives in the village and works in the nearby Londis shop and Post Office, said: �There had been a removal van and a bonfire.

�I was a semi-regular there and we are now missing a good pub with a good reputation that meant people outside the area would come into the village.

�That had a knock-on effect for the other businesses because they might pop in here or the chemist.�

Sue Mackie, 66, who works in the Poodleoo sweet shop opposite the pub, said: �My daughter told me there had been a lot of people complaining about the noise, which was very loud late at night.

�It is a shame for the village, there is only one left now.

�I was born in Goosnargh and it was always a feature.�

A 73-year-old man, said: �It is a shame, I have spent half my life in there.

�My son saw them taking the kitchen and all the outside furniture from the back of the pub.�

A spokesman for Scottish and Newcastle Pub Company, said: �The Stag�s Head in Goosnargh was leased to an independent business person to run as their own business.

�Unfortunately and despite our efforts, last week we had to take back possession of the pub.

�We are currently assessing the state of the premises and we hope we will shortly be in a position to re-advertise this pub and find a new lessee who will return the site to full operation, ensuring once again, that it serves our valued local community.�

Despite repeated attempts by the Evening Post to contact Mr Robins, he did not respond.

15 Mar 2012 16:10

The Stags Head, Goosnargh

Stayed with friends in Longridge who took me to The Stags 'Annual Family Fun Day' at the Bank Holiday. I was not too keen as my last visit in April, after a gap of a two years, was a disaster. The start was not auspices as when I asked how many years the event had been running I was told this was the first. Still I suppose 'Annual' has to start somewhere! We arrived (party of three adults and two children) and the place was heaving. There was one lad behind the bar doing his best and It took us 20 minutes to be served with a drink. I say 'drink' loosely. The kid's cokes were flavoured water and our Theakestones was warm, cloudy and frankly undrinkable. I took them back and waited and waited and waited. Eventually the lad (now joined by a young lass) came over and I told him the problem. He was fine and I asked for a refund which was duly given.

We then took my April advice and went to the Grapes. I think 'Annual' may be rather ambitious.

2 Jun 2011 14:53

Grapes Inn, Goosnargh

This is a grand little pub.It is slightly off the beaten track so isn't full of passer bys but locals. Very friendly staff who go out of their way for you. A good selection of ales with a standby session selection as well as the head banging stuff! The food is honest good pub grub with local sourcing.

Pity the TV room is dominated by a pool table and if you can't get on with kids avoid on a Sunday. If you have kids and you want a family meal it's a must and the Sunday Lunch is excellent quality and reasonably priced.

I shall go back there when I am next in the NW and after my experiences at the Stags up the road this is a hidden gem of a place.

21 May 2011 10:46