Less than a year after Lyndsey and Mark Ward took over the running of Histon pub, the Barley Mow, the franchise of this village local is up for renewal again.
Lyndsey and Mark took over the pub on 25 March last year – moving into the village with their young family with the aim of creating a community pub here in Histon & Impington.
Troubled times
The last few years have seen several changes at this village pub beginning with the retirement of landlady of 30 years, Dore McCann, in October 2023 and the subsequent departure in February 2024 by her successors after just a few months at the helm.
Responding to HI HUB, Lyndsey Ward said: “Yes, we have decided to leave. Unfortunately the village hasn’t been as welcoming as we’d hoped although we have had some amazing customers that have supported us.
“We would like to hope that the new people coming in continue to push the pub to its potential and keep it a family friendly place. Also hoping they don’t have the trouble that we have endured over the last few months.”
Potential opportunity
Listing this latest opportunity on their website, Greene King Pub Partners talks of the benefits to a future Hive Pubs franchisee including the pub’s recent full refurbishment, a good size garden and ‘a community in Histon offering affluent home owners and plenty of passing/commuter trade’.
The five-year franchise agreement offers also personal three bedroom accommodation, a guaranteed income of £20,000 per annum plus a percentage of net food and drink sales.
A Greene King spokesperson said: “We are seeking a new franchise operator to run The Barely Mow. Anyone with pub management experience looking to run their own pub with the full support of Greene King should contact our recruitment team.”
Full details of the franchise can be found on the Greene King Pub Partners website.