Landlords of Leigh's Sarah Moore pub hopeful for the future

Last week it was revealed the Sarah Moore pub, in Elm Road, would close its doors in January after its lease with the building’s owner comes to an end. 

The announcement sparked an outpouring of sadness from customers but landlords, Charley Costello and Will Farrell, have now revealed they are working on plans to keep the pub alive – even if it means moving. 

Charley, 30, told the Echo the pair are working quickly behind the scenes to take over another pub in the area. 

Charley Costello and her partner, Will Farrell, have been running the venue for just under two years (Image: George Pizani)

She said: “We definitely will take over another pub, we have a couple of options in the pipeline. We’re just deciding on the right one for us.” 

The building’s owner intends to convert the site into residential property in the future after rejecting an offer of a five-year lease extension.

Will and Sarah took over the pub in December 2022, but it has been the Sarah Moore for more than three decades. 

As well as the option of moving, Charley said they are still pushing to stay in Elm Road. 

“We have also had conversations with the landlord because he does still want to rent the pub out,” said Charley.

“We have looked into possibly renting it out ourselves without being tied to a brewery. It’s on the table and not a definite, but we are looking into it.”

The decision to explore extending the lease of the Sarah Moore without a brewery partner is in part due to the community that has grown around the pub during it’s two years of business.

The Sarah Moore is well served by it's central Leigh location 

Regulars Barry (L) and Jason (R). Barry is worried about the future of the pub's darts team. (Image: The Sarah Moore)

Charley said: “It’s been an absolutely lovely experience, and we’ve had a really fun time here. We’ve made friends with lots of our regulars and have created a lovely atmosphere.

“We’ve had some amazing events and good times here.“The reaction from the community had been very positive and has been great to hear just how valued we are by residents.”

The pub has hosted many live watch parties for major sporting events (Image: George Pizani)

Aaron, a regular at the Sarah Moore, said: “The pub is the hub of the community, and it’s so sad to see a family business disappear from the heart of Leigh.”

His comment’s were echoed by Barry who said he was “worried about the future of the Sarah Moore and the darts team”.

The Sarah Moore was named after a woman accused of being a “sea witch”, who was accused of creating a  great storm in the estuary.