A former publican of the Royal Oak in Meavy has urged Burrator Parish Council to work in partnership with the pub’s next tenant to ensure its future after the current landlords quit.

Licensees Jo and her husband Lee Rowe have announced they are leaving their tenancy early, in mid-December, claiming Burrator Parish Council, which owns the pub, ‘interferes’ in their running of the pub.

Jo says the landlords have not given her the freedom to open when the pub is likeliest to be busiest, and close at uneconomic times, such as weekday evenings in the winter.

The council is now offering the new tenancy on new unrestricted opening terms, much to Jo’s frustration.

However she insists she will still not stay on, despite the new terms offered.

Now, the previous landlord, Stephen Earp, has revealed that he and his partner Dorinda had considered returning to take on the licence again, but then decided on looking at rent charged and outgoings that they would not be able to run a viable business.

Stephen, who left the pub in 2023, said: “My principal concern is whether the proposed rent, alongside the full operating costs, provides a realistic basis for a sustainable business. However, I believe the more important issue is the opportunity for the parish council to reconsider its role as custodian of the Royal Oak.”

Stephen acknowledged his departure and subsequent dealings between the current tenants and the council had divided opinion. He hopes everyone could find common ground in securing the pub’s future to benefit the community.

Unusually, the Royal Oak is owned by the local parish council, who originally bought it from the Church of England.

Stephen suggested that this meant the parish could take a longer-term view of the pub as an asset for the community, setting the rent at a realistic level for a landlord can stay in business.

He said the council should carry out repairs to the exterior, while putting money aside for future work.

“Beyond these responsibilities, I believe its priority should be sustaining a thriving community asset, rather than maximising rental income,” he said. “Having run the pub for a number of years, I know how much work and expense goes into providing a professional, dependable service. A tenant needs room to earn a reasonable living, employ staff and reinvest.”

Mr Earp said a new-look partnership could start with ‘realistic’ rent and lease terms.

The council could also help the next tenant find a mentor and put them in touch with people who could advise on business development, accountancy, marketing and social media.

Ideally, a young local couple would rent the pub, with council support to build a viable business, make a future in the village and keep the Royal Oak thriving for the community.

“Without that foundation, I’m concerned about repeated changes of tenant and further division,” he said. “A successful partnership would give everyone a shared interest in the Royal Oak’s longevity.”

A Burrator Parish Council spokesperson said: “We have and always will be supportive of the Royal Oak Inn tenant. The committee wish to see nothing more than a profitable business and a valued community asset.”

“Support will be provided according to lease and policies. Rental income maintains the listed building and provides community grants. Communication is important. It is hoped new tenants have an open and honest relationship with the council, allowing them to be supported with a successful business.”