‘We’re at our limit’ says Calderdale pub owner amid pandemic

Aimee Turford, 34, along with her partner Alisdair Brooke-Taylor, 35, have run the The Moorcock Inn, in Norland, for nearly three years and have had to make the heartbreaking decision to only trade as a takeaway concern on November 2.

The country pub near Sowerby Bridge is known for its stunning views over the Ryburn Valley and focus on fresh produce from local growers and suppliers.

Ms Turford said: “It’s sad to make this decision.

“Business was really good before March and then it’s been months of struggle since due to the pandemic.

“Making this decision feels like a weight has been lifted because it’s something we’ve decided, instead of external factors.”

Ms Turford said the pub has recently lost a day of trading through being unsure whether to place beer orders.

“We’re easily as much a restaurant as a pub, so could potentially continue to trade, but with the entire loss of our drinking and walk-in trade.

“That is on top of losing 40 per cent of our capacity,” she said.

Other issues behind the temporary closure is only being able to serve single household guests, as well as only being able to operate until 10pm, and what Ms Turford described as subconscious ‘spooking’ of potential guests that occurs each time a new announcement is made.

“We’re at our limit,” she said.

“We experienced the extreme limbo before the first lockdown - ‘you can stay open, but people should not go’- remember that one? A week of trade decimated back then too. We see the same coming for us again. It’s just a restriction or two, too many. It feels like it’s going to get worse before it starts to get better.”

Ms Turford said will also be selling ceramics during the quieter months.