FURNESS pubgoers can breathe a sigh of relief as an iconic pub is to be brought back to life after locals feared for its future.

The Black Cock Inn in Broughton closed its doors earlier this year after its parent company Lakeland Inns Group went into liquidation.

But Broughton-based company CGP has now announced its purchase of the pub.

CGP also stepped in to buy the hugely popular Prince of Wales pub in Foxfield in April this year, which also faced an uncertain future, having been closed since before the Covid pandemic, and a planned purchase and refurbishment project collapsing.

The Westmorland Gazette: The Prince of Wales pub has been closed since 2020The Prince of Wales pub has been closed since 2020 (Image: Newsquest)

A CGP spokesman said: "CGP has always been keen to support the local community and businesses in the area. 

"We were sorry to see the Black Cock Inn in Broughton close earlier this year and rather than see the pub disappear, we stepped in to buy it.

"The Black Cock is in fairly decent shape, but we'll still take this opportunity to refurbish it over the coming months before reopening it as a pub once it’s ready."

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Amid troubled times for the hospitality industry, the news comes as a boon for real ale drinkers in the Broughton area, which already boasts Furness CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year The Manor Arms.

Jack Summers-Glass, chair of Furness CAMRA, said: "With so much uncertainty surrounding pubs, it is excellent news that not only The Prince of Wales in Foxfield but now The Black Cock in Broughton have been bought into the CGP family.

"Following the issues in recent months regarding the pubs previously part of the Lakeland Inns Group, everyone has been wondering about The Black Cock and, although rumours have suggested that CGP's involvement was imminent, it is a relief that it has finally been confirmed. 

"I am sure that once it is back up to speed, the pub will prove to be a great asset to Broughton and will complement the already excellent choice of venues in the area.

"Richard Parsons and CGP have a good track record and Furness CAMRA is looking forward to the return of The Black Cock and, in due course, The Prince of Wales as these are two important pubs that have been popular venues for a long time."