Aldermaston pub owners deny plans to sell premises

Punch Taverns has said it has no plans to sell off the Butt Inn for development

PUNCH Taverns, owners of the Butt Inn at Aldermaston Wharf, have denied speculation that they want to sell it off for development.

The once-popular watering hole is currently closed again and some former regulars are concerned for its future.

Its recent troubles began in the summer of 2007, when it was closed due to extensive flooding.

The pub was particularly hard hit by that season's torrential rainfall, which left it two feet deep in floodwater.

It was not until November that year that the incumbent licensee, Judith Hutt, was able to reopen.

Earlier this year the Butt Inn license was taken up by Andy and Carol Water - but their tenure was short-lived.

Local resident Bruce Jackson said: “A sign advertising the tenancy actually went up outside the pub just two weeks after the Waters' opened it - not a glowing endorsement.”

Mr Jackson said that, despite the Waters' best efforts, the pub closed again a few days ago.

He added: “There has been a lot of speculation locally that Punch don't necessarily want it to succeed because perhaps the plot has potential for housing development. I don't know whether that's true or not but it would be a shame.

“A while ago it was a very successful, family pub and a great place to visit. Hopefully it will be again - the potential is there if the brewery backs it. The Hinds Head, the Rowbarge and the Spring Inn are successful examples.”

Former regulars have speculated on social networking site Facebook that Punch Taverns had priced former and potential licensees out of the market with rent rises.

Spokeswoman for Punch Taverns, Jenni Fryer, said: “I'm pleased to be able to say that the Butt Inn will reopen before Christmas, so obviously we have no plans to sell it. However we can't discuss individual partners' rental arrangements.

“We've invested £38m in our pubs over the last 12 months and it's in our best interests to see our licensees succeed. We're fully committed to keeping the Butt Inn open and after the pre-Christmas opening a new, full time partner is taking over in January. This move will be accompanied by new investment. I can't say what form that will take until we've finished discussions with our new partner. However I can assure you that the Butt Inn is one of the core pubs that we're committed to.”