A BOROUGH pub with a recent chequered history remains closed as its owners seek another landlord, while a neighbouring venue closed for the last time last night (Saturday, 31 January).

The New Courthouse pub on King Street in Stanford-le-Hope has been the centre of local controversy over recent years, with its licence being revoked under one landlord because of alleged disorderly behaviour and breaches of licensing stipulations.

In November 2024 it was shut down by Thurrock Council after several breaches of noise abatement orders.

The pub is part of the Stonegate Pub Company, which operates it under its EI Group arm, formerly known as Enterprise Inns. EI returned to the council in January last year asking for the licence to be renewed, an application that was subject to conditions.

The company said it had removed former landlord Adam Lakey from the tenancy in the wake of the scale of complaints.

Prior to Mr Lacey's tenancy the pub, which ceased trading and did not reopen after the Covid pandemic, had been run by licensees Craig Price and Sally Burton who planned to run the pub alongside the restaurant, which was renamed 80 Days, offering an international menu.

Before Covid, the pub had a succession of owners and the dining facility featured several cuisines, including a spell as a Turkish restaurant which was refurbished and reopened in August 2018 by then East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe.

But the partnership between tenant and landlord ended in acrimony when its operators were evicted by the owner company amid a number of counter accusations.

Before being renamed the New Courthouse, the pub was known as the Kings Head and it is recalled by many in the town as a popular and welcoming 'old-fashioned; venue.

Despite the optimism of Craig and Sally, their venture did not take off and the premises were closed, prior to Mr Lakey moving in. Under his management it became a very popular venue for young people and was often packed at weekends and during national events like football tournaments.

However, the pub fell foul of neighbours' complaints and Thurrock Council's eventual intervention.

After learning that its application in January last year was successful, the operating company removed shutters and carried out some remedial work at the premises and in April last year the pub reopened under new tenant and landlord Terrence Remmell.

He spoke optimistically about the pub's future, saying it would become a popular family and entertainment venue, offering food.

The pub hosted a number of events during the summer and there were a number of pre-Christmas social evenings including quizzes and karaoke – but, though there was a limited bar food menu, the restaurant which is part of the premises remained closed.

However, as late as 14 January, the pub was promoting its new food options on social media.

But a couple of weeks ago, the club closed its doors. Mr Remmell told customers it was a brief hiatus to give staff time off after a hard-working Christmas and for improvements to be undertaken.

However, it has remained closed – with no public comment from Mr Remmell or its parent operators. Nub News has contacted Stonegate several times, without response.

The tenancy of the pub is now being marketed on the Stonegate and EI websites.

The advert says: "This is a genuine hands-on opportunity for an entrepreneurial publican who can see the significant scope to turn The New Courthouse into a strong, food-led business.

"The pub benefits from a dedicated and attractive restaurant area that is not fully utilised, presenting a real opportunity for a food-focused operator to unlock additional trade and grow overall turnover.

"The ideal publican will be passionate about developing a quality food offer, supported by great retail standards, strong local marketing, and consistent operational delivery.

"A genuine community spirit will be essential, with the successful operator keen to build strong relationships with local residents, businesses, and groups, positioning the pub as a welcoming and well-loved local.

"This opportunity will suit someone who is visible, hands-on, and motivated to put their own stamp on the business, using food, service, and community engagement as the key drivers of long-term success."

Stonegate's regional manager adds: "What excites me about this opportunity is the scope for the right publican to shape the business in a way that truly serves the local community. With the right food proposition, consistent standards, and visible, hands-on management, this pub can become a well-loved destination at the heart of Stanford-le-Hope.

"I am committed to working closely with the successful publican to support the development of the business, ensuring the right foundations are in place and helping to unlock the full potential of this fantastic pub."

The monthly rental for the pub, which is said to have an annual turnover of £403,455 is £452. The ingoing deposit is £5,875, with an agreement fee of £795. The pub is available on a five year, fixed term tenancy.

As of last night, the New Courthouse's near neighbour, the Railway Tavern, is also now shut. Its operators announced they would be closing it and the inclusive Gino's restaurant, last month. As yet there has been no statement about what will happen to the premises, where a celebratory farewell party took place yesterday.