Brought back to life
Nearly lost.Saved by the village.
A community-owned pub, café and caravan site in Skelton-on-Ure, brought back so the village still has a place to gather.
The Lion is not a chain refit. It is a village pub the village bought back, then put back to work as a bar, a café and a small site for touring guests.
£240k+
Raised
200+
Owners
2025
Reopened
01
Nearly lost
When the brewery shut the doors, Skelton-on-Ure was about to lose its only pub. The village decided that was not how the story would end.
02
Bought back
Neighbours formed a community benefit society, raised funds and bought The Black Lion outright. A living hub, owned by the people who use it.
03
Put back to work
Volunteer graft restored the kitchen, bar, cellar and garden. The café followed, then five quiet pitches behind the hedge for touring guests.
The society
Owned by the people who use it
Skelton-on-Ure Pub and Hub Limited is a registered community benefit society. Shareholders are villagers and supporters who wanted a living hub, not just a bar, but a café, garden and caravan site for guests exploring North Yorkshire.
If you already know the Lion, this is the bit you can skip. If you are new: it is a village asset, run for the village, with volunteer hours still in the walls.
Talk to the teamWhat we're for
Pub, café, pitches
- A traditional Yorkshire pub with a beer garden and room for a proper night
- A community café: breakfast, cake and light lunches Friday – Sunday
- Five touring pitches with electric hook-up, steps from the bar
- A base for walkers, cyclists and guests heading to Newby Hall, Ripon and the Dales