Maddie Smith
An old favourite in the village, The Black Lion has been a cornerstone of local culture for as long as most Sedgefield residents can remember.
Originally built as a coaching inn for those travelling the north to south ‘expedition’ to Leeds, the public house has been a watering hole for man and beast alike since the early 1700s.
The building and stables were expanded throughout the 18th and 19th centuries before becoming the familiar social spot it was until recently.
The decision to completely remodify the pub came as quite a shock to the village.
Jon Lyle, a regular patron of The Black Lion when it was in business, stated that the change was ‘delusional’, and said: “it’ll always be The Black Lion. They won’t get rid of us.”
Some residents and regular patrons of the pub have seen the drastic changes as a comment regarding the previous clientele of The Black Lion.
“Just because young people go there doesn’t mean it’s a bad place. They’re changing it so much to get rid of us.”
Newly named ‘The Corner House’, the grade II listed building has been painted a dark sage green, which has also provoked complaints from locals.
Sedgefield resident John Roper described the pub’s new colour as ‘oppressive’, and said: “it won’t last long, everyone is complaining. The council will make them change it back.
“Sedgefield isn’t the place for setting trends. The residents here want a traditional old pub like The Black Lion, not somewhere fancy and overpriced. It’s madness.”
The Corner House is part of a blooming empire; the proprietors also own The Pickled Parson in Sedgefield, and swanky bowling alley chain ‘Lane 7’ in both Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Middlesbrough.
The owner of The Corner House and previous owner of The Black Lion have been contacted for their comments but are yet to respond.