A community councillor has voiced concerns about the future of the Village Inn after it suddenly closed down earlier this month.
David Telford said he thought the closure was a ‘real worry’, despite assurances given by the owner that it could re-open in the Spring time after a revamp.
A Facebook message appeared on the pub’s social media page on Tuesday 8 November, alerting the public to the closure, and thanking loyal customers.
Speaking to the ‘News’. Mr Telford said: “It is a real worry. I don’t like this business of ‘it might open it again in the spring’.
“This smacks of simply buying time and then being able to say in six months time that nobody really missed it or complained that it was shut - so here’s my plans for a block of flats.
“I am going to try to get Fairlie Community Council to register an interest in the pub as a potential site for community purchase.
“It is important to pursue the question rather than have it simply demolished before we know it - as with the Fairlieburn Hotel.”
The Bay Street bar and restaurant was re-opened in December 2008, after it has been closed for three years. It was the only existing pub in Fairlie following the closure of the Kelburn Hotel around fifteen years ago.
The Village Inn has won Craft Beer awards over recent years from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and also hosted real ale festivals, and has even hosted the Fairlie Gala Festival in the past. The bar also has a number of Fife boatyard connections, including a sign recognising the historic links on the front of the premises.
Chairman of Fairlie Community Council, Rita Holmes, said: “It is a pity about Village Inn. The village needs a good pub so I hope it will re-open soon.”