To The Rescue…
With 10 pubs closing each week through 2023, the traditional country pub remains under serious threat. Rebecca Govier, new manager of the Edisford Bridge Country Pub, just outside Clitheroe, tells Kate Bowyer the story behind the saving of a Ribble Valley jewel. Photography: Wayne Farrow
Imagine you hear of a local pub facing closure. Even though you’re already running your own successful gastropub, you can’t resist the plea. The meeting with the brewery goes well, but there’s a catch. The pub is closing tonight – if you want to save it, you have to continue trading tomorrow. You gulp and shake their hand.
Rebecca Govier – “everyone calls me Becky” – relates the story, shaking her head: “I can’t quite believe it myself. And the best bit – this was all four days before Mothering Sunday!”
Nestling in the heart of the Ribble Valley, it’s clear to see why Becky pulled out all the stops to save the Edisford Bridge. The 18th century, Grade II-listed inn’s stone mullioned windows gaze out over its namesake, the medieval nine-span Edisford Bridge, constructed in 1339.
Still an important connection to Clitheroe, people come from near and far to splash, play, picnic, walk, cycle and stay at the established beauty spot. But, however smitten, Becky already had her hands full, running the popular Black Bull at Old Langho.
“I just couldn’t let them shut the door on the pub and all it stands for – its history, community and future,” she explains. “And once you’ve made the decision, you just crack on, don’t you?”
I’m already understanding how Becky’s infectious enthusiasm convinced staff from the Black Bull to head to the Edisford Bridge that very night, instead of home to bed. All night, they cleaned, restocked and learned the quirks of the 300-year-old building. As promised, the pub reopened next day for lunchtime drinks.
“It meant a bit of a skeleton service, but people were really understanding,” says Becky. “Honouring the imminent Mother’s Day bookings we’d inherited became our goal, even if it meant cancelling my own!”
Within two days, food was back on the menu, followed by the installation of a complete, new kitchen and chefs. As soon as the doors closed every night, the sanding, painting and decorating continued. New curtains and upholstery enhance the warm, cosy traditional pub feel and the floors are the next thing to be worked on.
Becky adds: “Understandably, some people were a bit wary at the sudden change, as they perceived it. Now, they understand we were doing everything simply to save the pub, by making it viable and attractive, not coming in and trying to turn it into something it’s not.
“We’re retaining and honouring the Edisford Bridge’s genuine country pub character and history, from the welcoming smile and warm atmosphere that greets you at the door, to the décor, cask ales and menu. It’s definitely a children, wet dogs and muddy wellies welcome – a roaring log-fire pub, perfectly placed for people staying at local campsites, too.”
The menu is indeed a haven of pub staples and signature specials including doorstop sandwiches, fish and chips, toppling burgers, seasonal roasts and warming puddings. All, like my delicious Lancashire cheese and onion pie, are made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients – Becky’s Black Bull contacts and experience, clearly paying dividends. However, she’s not abandoning one for the other.
“Absolutely not,” she confirms. “This was never about moving on from the Black Bull, it was about saving the Edisford Bridge. Over the five years that we’ve turned the Black Bull into a real destination, we’ve built a fantastic team, exactly what we’re already building here. At that first meeting, there were people with families and mortgages hearing for the first time that their jobs could literally be gone.
“I’ve got great managers at each pub – this will really give both teams the chance to grow into their roles. Make no mistake, I’ll be splitting my time between both pubs, and remaining front of house, where I love to be, as much as possible – they’re only seven miles apart!”
Looking around the snug, lively pub, it’s hard to believe that just one month ago, the doors might have closed, never to reopen. So, talking of ridiculous workloads, what’s next on Becky’s ‘to do’ list?
“With a location this beautiful, you want people to enjoy being outside when they can, so we’ll be regenerating the outdoor space ready for the summer. There’s also some gorgeous original rooms upstairs, so down the line we’ll be fitting them out for accommodation.”
Somehow, I can’t imagine Becky lounging in the pub garden with a glass of prosecco for more than a minute: “You’re right,” she smiles. “But I am about to enjoy my postponed Mother’s Day!”
Edisford Bridge Country Pub
Edisford Bridge
Edisford Road, Clitheroe BB8 3LJ
01200 422637
01254 248801
facebook@Edisfordbridgecountrypub
