Tenants have been found for The Farmers Arms in Muker following the community purchase of the pub. 

Over the last couple of weeks, the Swaledale pub has been open on a drinks-only basis on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7pm, and for darts on a Wednesday.

Its new landlords will take over on Sunday, also on a drinks-only basis, but aim to provide a food service from Saturday, September 28.

The Farmers Arms The Farmers Arms (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) In the meantime, Muker Community Benefit Society (MCBS) volunteers will continue to open the pub.

MCBS chairman, Professor Sir Mike Richards, has welcomed the new tenants.

Read more: Joy as Farmers Arms reopens in time for Muker Show

“From a field of strong candidates, Craig and Claire stood out due to their extensive hospitality and pub experience, and their friendly and hospitable manner," he said.

The Farmers Arms The Farmers Arms (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“They’ve got experience of the needs of small communities and understand the challenges of seasonal businesses.

“More than that they had us laughing within five minutes of meeting them and we’re confident that they’ll provide a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike."

He added: “It will be almost a year to the day when the idea of a community pub was first raised. Getting to this point has taken a huge amount of effort and we’re immensely grateful for the support, both financial and non-financial, we have received from the people of Upper Swaledale,  the wider Farmers Arms community and the membership. 

"The appointment of Claire and Craig is the last piece in restoring the Farmers Arms to the iconic Dales village pub it has traditionally been and putting it right back at the heart of the community”.