The Crown at Mickleton has last ever Saturday service

Andrew Rowbotham, who has been the owner of The Crown at Mickleton since 2011, announced last month it will only open on a Sunday from now on.

Yesterday (April 25), marked the pub’s final Saturday service.

A number of specials were served from 12-8pm, including Thai Stir Fried Belly Pork and Roasted Salmon with creamy mash, English asparagus and chive butter sauce.

The dessert specials included warm cookie dough and dulce de leche ice cream.

The pub is now moving to Sunday lunches only.

Andrew previously explained why the decision had been taken.

He said: “Costs are soaring, and you have got major chefs going on mainstream media saying how bad it is. Tom Kerridge has made pleas to the Government and other people to try and turn the ship around.

Andrew Rowbotham and Jo O’Brian at The Crown at Mickleton (Image: STUART BOULTON)

“People learned in the pandemic there was a better life than being stuck in the kitchen. You could go and work in Amazon and get paid by the hour.

“We are in a situation now where we need to continue to be supported and keep the dream alive, and it is really difficult.”

The Crown now only employs four members of staff; at one point Andrew said it employed 25-30 staff members.

The pub made The Northern Echo’s top ten Best Restaurants or Gastropubs competition.

But Andrew spoke of the harsh reality of where the industry currently is.

He said: “Awards are a really special thing, and we should be really positive towards it, but the reality is, the industry is in crisis, and nobody is listening.”

Although today marks the pub’s final Saturday service, The Crown will be taking its food truck on the road to weddings, events and pop-ups.

Next week it will be at The Grey Bull, Stanhope from 5pm until 8pm on Thursday, April 30.

On the Friday it will be at Moonlight Market in Bishop Auckland from 4pm until 9pm where it will serve a street food menu and specials.