Has a Harborough town centre pub been saved?

A dedicated pub lover is hoping that a popular Market Harborough pub’s future is set to be safeguarded.
A firm offer, believed to be about 350,000, has been made for the Red Cow.A firm offer, believed to be about 350,000, has been made for the Red Cow.
A firm offer, believed to be about 350,000, has been made for the Red Cow.

Pete Urmston, 61, spoke after a firm offer, believed to be about £350,000, has been made for the Red Cow.

He launched a radical community bid to take over the old school Victorian pub on the High Street earlier this month.

But Pete’s now keeping his fingers crossed the Red Cow will be saved after it was put up for sale by owners Greene King.

“I’ve just had a call from the agent telling me that they had sold it.

“They said the brewery had just given the go-ahead to an offer that they had for some time,” said the dad-of-two.

“This is great news for the Red Cow, of course, and for Harborough’s High Street.

“A lot of people here in Harborough are keen to keep the Red Cow as a pub.

“We just have to hope she ends up in good hands.

“It’s got to continue as it is – and not be turned into a shop, bistro or what ever.”

The new twist comes after Pete set up a Facebook page urging townsfolk to back his bold venture to buy the 121-year-old Red Cow.

“We were looking for 3,500 people to plough in £100 each to take it on.

“I’ve had a lot of interest and enquiries from people all over the Harborough area.

“But I would urge everyone to go in to the Red Cow more,” said Pete, of Scotland Road, Little Bowden.

“If you like it that much then nip in more often and enjoy a pint and a natter.

“This brilliant little pub dates all the way back to 1899 and we are determined to keep her alive and kicking.”

The architectural and archaeological illustrator said he will take a back seat for now.

“I’ve stood everyone down for the moment.

“Going through with my bid would have been a lot of hassle and a real long haul,” admitted Pete.

“It could have taken us all this year.

“But I’m glad that I acted.

“And I’ll be keeping my ‘Can we buy the Red Cow’ Facebook page open for now just in case this sale falls through.

“But all being well we’ll have the Red Cow with us on Harborough High Street for many years to come.”

A spokesman for Bury St Edmunds-based owner Greene King said: “As a leading pub operator and brewer, we are committed to running high quality community pubs.

“To continue investing in our estate, from time to time we have to make the difficult decision to sell a pub and therefore after much consideration we decided to put the Red Cow on the market.”

He added: “We were contacted by a number of interested parties and the pub is now under offer.”