Why a Powys football team gave up the lease of a local pub
The Powys football club revealed that owning a town pub for the past few years was 'initially exciting' but had become an 'uphill struggle'
Ellen Jones and Tara Stevens announced on June 1 that they were moving from managers of The Black Lion, on Parsons Bank, to owners. This means they will be taking over the lease of the pub after it was owned by Llanfair United FC for the past five years. The two had served as managers of the pub on behalf of the club while it was under its ownership.
Llanfair United shared that running the pub required a 'huge voluntary commitment' that added to the existing commitments of running the football club at the same time. The club added that it wanted to thank everyone who had worked or volunteered at the pub while under the club's control and welcomed its takeover by its current managers.
Writing on social media, a spokesperson for Llanfair United FC said: 'The club wish Ellen and Tara all the best as they start their new venture at The Black Lion Llanfair Caereinion.
'Taking over the pub was initially exciting but as Covid-19 hit, it became an uphill challenge from the start. Nevertheless, we'd like to thank everyone who has worked at the pub under our control or volunteered their help and to everyone who has supported us by drinking and eating at The Black Lion since 2020.
'Due to the huge voluntary commitment it takes to not just run a pub but the club as well, we welcome Ellen and Tara taking the reins. Ellen has done amazingly well in the past few months, and we are very grateful.
'The Black Lion will continue to be the social home of Llanfair United FC and we look forward to creating more memories under the new management.'
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