THE business which runs a popular East Lancashire pub has gone into liquidation after facing a “challenging” few years and struggling to bounce back from the pandemic.
The owners of the business that runs the Black Dog on Union Road in Oswaldtwistle said liquidation was “necessary” to protect creditors and the business.
Black Dog Ossy Limited, the tenant of the Thwaites Brewery pub, was placed into liquidation on 15 November 2021.
The Black Dog, which is a family-run pub on Union Road and has been trading under Colin Manford - brother of Jason Manford - and Emma Kearney, since 2016.
Following a difficult few years, in an industry which has been dramatically affected by Covid, the business has exhausted all avenues and struggled to survive.
Ian McCulloch and Mark Ranson of Opus Restructuring & Insolvency have been appointed as joint liquidators of the Black Dog Ossy Limited, the tenant of the Black Dog pub.
The owners have been in discussion with Ian McCulloch at Opus and while all viable business rescue options were considered, the decision to cease trading and to place the company into liquidation was the only responsible option available for the business.
All employees have been formally notified and steps have been taken to return the site to the control of the landlord and brewery.
Mr McCulloch issued a statement on behalf of the owners and said: “The owners are not the first to suffer this result in the pub industry and unfortunately, will not be the last.
“It has been an extremely challenging time for everyone, but we know this has been a particularly difficult decision for the owners who fell in love with town and had great plans for the pub with a community focus.
“Liquidation was necessary in order to protect the business and the interests of creditors.”
The Black Dog has been an integral part of the Oswaldtwistle community and has even been nominated for some awards over the years.
According to whatpub.com, the Black Dog is one of the oldest public houses in the area and has been serving the community since the early 1800s.
In 2019, it was chosen by Hyndburn MP Graham Jones as his entry for the Parliamentary Pub of the Year Awards.
In a competition with around 1900 entries, the dog-friendly pub was also announced as runner-up in the best Dog Friendly Pub category at the Dog Friendly Awards 2018.
Andrew Buchanan, Director of Pubs and Brewing at Thwaites Brewery, said: “We were made aware a few weeks ago that the company which held the tenancy for the Black Dog was going into receivership. We took the pub back from the receiver on 9th November.
The Black Dog has been a great pub for many years and a vital part of the Oswaldtwistle community. We are in discussion with a number of interested parties who are keen to the re-open the Black Dog and we hope to conclude that as quickly as possible.”
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