Melksham pub landlords to move on after ‘long and joyful journey’

The current management at Market Tavern in Melksham, who wish to be known simply as the Market Tavern team, have said it’s a “tough market”, and that while they have “loved every minute” of their tenancy, the “family’s goals have changed”.

On October 22, the tenants announced the “sad news” that they would be stepping away from the pub in the near future in a humorous and touching social media statement. However, they did not specify when, and said the pub remains open for business as usual.

They said: “After a long, joyful, and occasionally chaotic journey, we’ve decided it’s time to move on. The search for new tenants has begun, and while it’s bittersweet, it’s also something we love and are incredibly proud of.

“The Tavern was meant to be a very long lease but things change, circumstances change. The world has changed. Our beloved family’s goals have changed. And let’s be honest… we ache a bit more these days. Knees click, backs creak, and we’ve started making involuntary noises when we sit down.

“We’ve watched many pubs change hands. We’ve weathered national crises, war, financial hardship, and energy bills that looked like phone numbers. Somehow, we’ve kept going and we continue to. Not because it’s been easy, but because it’s mattered. Because this place, this community, this story, has been worth every ounce of effort.

“When we arrived, the Tavern was battered. A windowless dance venue with hardly any natural light, and more doubts than daylight. But we saw potential. We rolled up our sleeves, got stuck in, and built something we’re incredibly proud of. And now, as we prepare to hand it over, we know the hard work’s been done. The foundations are solid. The story is strong.

“Opening night was three months late, the Delta variant was surging, and the government told people to only go out if they had to. The band cancelled. Half our guests cancelled. On night two, we saw more nose candy in one hour than in our previous 25 years in the trade. We had to ask a few to leave but most returned, this time with mums, dads, wives, and children. Somehow, we became the posh place. No idea how. We’re as common as muck.”

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Despite the news they would be saying goodbye, the landlords have still got a busy schedule lined up for the rest of their year ahead of stepping down, including Remembrance Sunday, as well as Christmas events including the annual lights switch-on.

The landlords continued: “We’ve had an amazing run. When we eventually lock up for the last time, it’ll be bittersweet. In this trade, your job and private life are one and the same seven days a week. We’ve been lucky to work with our whole family (or unlucky, depending on which member you ask). Now we’re looking forward to a bit of time together- all of us. They grow up fast. And the elders get older. And we’ve got a hot tub to test.

“It’s a tough market. The more you put through the till, the more goes out. But the Tavern has defied the national trend, and that’s down to you, your loyalty, your feedback, your belief in what we do. Thank you.

“The Tavern has been a labour of love. Every bit you see, my wife, brother, and I built or created. Every picture hanging, every stone slab (some from our mum and dad’s farmhouse) it’s all part of our story.

“The owners are keen to keep the place intact. It’s not turning into a sushi bar or a silent disco (though we’d pay good money to see that). They love the Tavern as much as you do.

“We’re looking forward to December hopefully one final, long celebration, with a drop of our own complimentary country port wine. Think of it as our farewell tour, minus the overpriced merch and dramatic lighting.

“We look forward to saying our farewells over the coming months with a glass in hand, a good meal on the table, and probably a bit of emotional denial.”