The Sportsman Inn Morley: Couple behind Leeds pub devastated as it's put up for sale

The couple who manage the Sportsman Inn, Morley, have been told they are losing the pub – which is part of the Admiral Taverns group –after another party made a higher offer that they are unable to match. David Holmes and Melanie Robinson have said they have been left unable to sleep by the news, which has cast doubt over the future of the pub.

Melanie told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We've not slept. We've put so much time and effort and love into this pub for our community, for the people around us, for the punters. We've been respectful to the people who live around here to ensure everybody could enjoy pub life and we weren't hurting neighbours. It's a kick in the teeth.

"We approached Admiral and put an offer in for the pub. But an investor has come in and offered a higher amount. We don't know for certain that the investors are going forward because they've only just sent paperwork out to them. This is where we are at the moment - sort of in limbo.”

The couple have three young children and say they are dreading having to look for somewhere to live if they lose the business – and meanwhile they are also devastated for their loyal customers. David said: “I told them I need to know what's going on, we've got a family, three young kids. I've got a tenant in a house I'm renting, I can't just say ‘well, I need my house back’. We have been looking for another property to take our kids to so we know they're alright. I feel sorry for the people who come into the pub because they're in limbo as well. It's upsetting for the customers.”

Despite their upset, the couple are keen to prevent the pub from closing down and making way for a new development. David has said there will be a petition launched to fight for the future of the business. He said: “We’re not going to back down from this."

Regular customer Steve Hitchcock said: “I moved into the area 33 years ago. I live adjacent to the pub so naturally, I went in it. I’ve taken to the town and I found that the pub is a proper little local pub, with a very diverse range of people that go in it. It’s got a community spirit. It’s one of those places where anyone of any age can go at any time. You can just walk in and talk to anybody else in the pub, even if you haven’t met them before.”

A spokesperson from Admiral Taverns said: “We are strong believers in the importance of community pubs and our focus is always on helping our licensees to run sustainable pub businesses. After careful consideration however, we felt in this instance that The Sportsman Inn did not have a long-term sustainable future and therefore we’ve taken the decision to put it up for sale.”