A popular Essex pub has been given a second chance at staying open. Back in October, the Sarah Moore pub in Leigh on Sea announced that they would be closing in January 2025, as there were plans for the building to be turned into residential homes.
After an outpouring of sadness from the community, it has now been announced that landlords Will Farrell and Charley Costello have been given a new one-year lease – with the potential to extend to ten years. They are reopening their doors to customers in January 20 – and have some exciting new developments in the pipeline!
The news comes after the popular Essex sports pub announced that it will close its doors to customers at the beginning of 2025 back in October. The pub was a fan favourite for watching sports, complete with Sky Sports and TNT Sports coverage, and the community cheered on at every game.
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Sarah Moore pub posted on Facebook on October 28: “Unfortunately, we have some sad news to share today. Myself and Will have been informed that lease term on the building has come to end.
“The building has been up for sale for some time with the intentions of it being turned into a residential property. We would like to thank all our staff and the amazing customers over the years that we have been here, we appreciate everyone and have had some really good laughs.”
The news that the pub will indeed be staying open is not the only exciting thing, though, as landlord Will has lots of new aspects he wants to bring to Sarah Moore in the next few months. He said: “Up until last Monday, I thought I had no job! The previous landlord agreed to meet, we had an interesting discussion and decided to keep the building as commercial premises.
“Now, we’re diving in head first to get some new suppliers – we’re working closely with Leigh Brewery, as we want the pub to be a big part of local businesses. It is brilliant to be the only independent pub on Leigh Broadway!”
Manager Holly, who will be the main staff member running the pub day to day, gave some insight into the new events the pub will be holding. She said: “We really want to add things like karaoke night, quiz night, student night and things like that.
“I am so pleased for Will and Charley, it is such a big step. The reopening gives us a chance to work more closely with the locals, opening doors not just for us but also local businesses whose products we can stock!”