A pub in Foulridge, that has been closed for three months, could reopen as Thwaites try to agree a contract with a potential new operator.

The Hare and Hounds, in Skipton Old Road, closed on March 6 and has remained vacant since.

Thwaites said it is in the "final stages" of a deal with a "great, local" operator who “plans to bring the pub back to the centre of the community”.

The brewery said it is excited about the pub’s future adding that more information will be provided when and if the deal is agreed upon.

ProPubs, the previous operator which managed the venue for four years, blamed rising energy bills for the closure in March. At the time, the future of the pub was unknown.

Tom Davies, who lived at the pub and was also managing director of ProPubs, said the pub was facing £14,000 energy bills and this was the quote for just three or four months of the year.

He said: “There was a catalogue of problems leading up to this point but the final straw for us was the final utility bill, which has made the pub no longer viable.

"Energy companies are killing the industry.

“We have two other great venues in the area that are growing but the Hare and Hounds has become stagnant.

“Many people loved the pub and the food but I think [it wasn’t in an ideal location].

“I feel like if we were to continue with the venue it would drag down the group, which we don’t want to happen.”

A spokesperson for Daniel Thwaites said: “We’re currently at the final stage of agreeing on a deal with a great, local, potential operator whose plan is to bring the pub back to the centre of the community.

“We’re hoping to get the pub back open soon and are excited about the potential future. We look forward to providing more information once everything is agreed.”