13/02/2026
Brilliant news for one of our neighbours 🙌🙌.
Well done to all involved 🌟.
🥩 Market Tavern Update on our Future with Punch 🥩
Hi everyone,
Harry and Punch have asked that I put out an update on our future.
We done it!
You all done it!
WE BLOODY DONE IT!
The support we have had, every single share, comment, signature on the petition, email to punch. It worked. It’s been overwhelming at times.
Today, Harry sat down with Punch and we were offered a tennancy. We are going to take the next few days to look it over and decide which of the two options we will take, but Alnwick, WE ARE HERE TO STAY. 🥳 🍾
We still need to dot the I’s and cross the T’s but we are here to stay!
SUNDAY 22nd FEB IS NOT GOING TO BE OUR LAST DAY!
Since the time Chris took over The Market Tavern, he always felt like he had a great working relationship with Punch, which meant that getting the news we did at the end of 2025 all the more gut wrenching, however we are so grateful that Punch has listened to us, and to what the customers of Alnwick want. Punch has therefore changed their plans on changing the Market Tavern, and are letting us get on with what we enjoy doing and what we do best.
Over the last few weeks, as Chris’ health took a decline, Punch could not have been any more supportive to Harry and we are so grateful for that. Punch did everything they could to make the transition for Harry as smooth as possible. We look forward to re-strengthening our relationship with Punch moving forward, and are looking forward to the future.
We want to thank the staff for their enthusiasm and loyalty, despite the uncertainty, they have remained with us every step of the way. We are what we are because of the staff that makes The Tav what it is, these are the same staff members that stayed with us throughout the fire in Feb 2025, which is just incredible of them.
We want to thank all of you, our customers who have supported us, continued to book with us, even passed the 22nd Feb which was going to be our closing date. Your optimism, loyalty and friendship has been felt deeply.
We know Chris would be chuffed for us right now and we know he will be celebrating up there. We will carry on and we will make him proud!
Thanks for taking the time to read all of these lengthy updates. This has been the best one to write!
Sarah 💙