The independent, family-run pub has been serving homemade food made with locally sourced ingredients (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A beloved independent family-run pub and restaurant has entered liquidation, seemingly marking the end of its operation of the site on the outskirts of Lichfield, Staffordshire. Horse & Jockey (Freeford) Ltd was incorporated in December 2021, with its pub serving customers homemade food with locally sourced ingredients in a “warm and cosy atmosphere”, according to its TripAdvisor page.
The company is currently led by two active directors, Jayne Hurley and Mark Hurley, who have both held their positions since the business was founded. However, on Friday (March 27), a notice of Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) was filed on The London Gazette website, indicating that the company cannot pay its debts and its directors have chosen to wind up the business. This follows a period where accounts and confirmation statements were noted as overdue on Companies House.
According to the Gazette notice published on Friday, John Pearson of Irwin Insolvency was appointed as liquidator for the business on March 25.
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The building’s owner is now seeking new leadership to take over the site (Image: Google Maps)
The company’s filing history on Companies House says a first Gazette notice for compulsory strike off has been issued – a formal legal warning indicating that the Registrar of Companies intend to shut down the company and remove it from the official register.
While the pub was previously known for its high-quality food and family-friendly atmosphere, the building’s owner, Star Pubs & Bars, is now reportedly seeking new leadership to take over the site.
The pub, found on Tamworth Road, Lichfield, is now listed on the Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken UK) “Pubs to Let” website. It is being advertised under a Foundation Tenancy agreement with an estimated annual turnover of £220,000 and an annual rent of £22,000.
Professional recruitment platforms, including JobLeads, also currently feature a listing titled “Run a Star Pub – Horse & Jockey Freeford – Lichfield.” The summary explicitly states that the owner is seeking an experienced operator to “build on an already well-established business” and “shape the pub’s next chapter”.
These listings highlight the venue’s “prominent country-style destination” status, its “well-established food menu,” and family-friendly features, including the large beer garden and children’s play area.
Meanwhile, the local branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has officially marked the venue as “Closed Long Term,” noting that “new tenants [are being] advertised for”.
The pub closed its doors for the final time on February 22 (Image: Google Maps)
Taking to Facebook on February 22, the pub wrote: “Today we close the doors and turn off the lights at The Horse & Jockey for the final time. It’s hard to put into words what this place — and all of you — have meant to us. From the laughter and celebrations to the quiet midweek catch-ups, it’s been a privilege to serve this community.
“Thank you to every single customer who walked through our doors, shared a meal, raised a glass, and supported us over the years. You’ve made it special.
“We truly hope this isn’t goodbye — just see you soon.
“With gratitude, Mark, Jayne, George and the team.”
Loyal customers quickly took to the comments under the pub’s post on Facebook, with one writing: “Thank you we will miss our Friday night visits”. Another wrote: “This Government have killed a lot of great businesses”.
The Horse & Jockey Freeford website is no longer online.