New owners sought for historic Melton pub

The Anne of Cleves, in Burton Street, has been run for two years by husband and wife, Matt Burrows and Becky Farnham-Burrows, who have decided to concentrate their efforts on their other pub, The Old Black Horse at Houghton on the Hill.

Everards, the brewery which owns the Melton pub, say Matt and Becky have successfully grown its reputation by highlighting the history and heritage but wanted to bring up their family in a quieter village setting.

Applications to take over the Anne of Cleves as tenant landlords are now being accepted although it remains closed temporarily as part of the government’s social distancing restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

A virtual tour can be taken by anyone interested as part of the marketing exercise undertaken by Everards.

A spokesperson said: “In the current climate with the doors to all our favourite drinking and dining spots closed, many may be unsure about taking on a pub business, but Everards are supporting all their business owners to make sure they come through this stronger than ever and more importantly together.

“The Anne of Cleves provides an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in the industry and who has a flair for great home-cooked food.”

The Tudor building, which dates back to 1384, has a large bar area with many original features, roaring fires, flagstone floor and mullioned windows, along with a snug area. There is a spacious beer garden at the back too.

It started out a house for 14 chantry priests who ministered to the lepers at the hospital set up by Roger de Mowbray in Burton Lazars.

In 1539 the property fell into the hands of the crown, as King Henry’s campaign against the church continued and the dissolution of the monasteries reached Melton.

Thomas Cromwell was gifted the house by the King in recognition for his role in reclaiming church properties and he took up residence there briefly in the spring of 1540.

Cromwell suggested Anne of Cleves as a suitable fourth wife for Henry but the marriage did not last long and he was executed after being blamed by the king.

The Burton Street property was gifted to Anne as part of her divorce settlement.

Her estate eventually passed to the crown the Anne of Cleves building and adjoining land - believed to include the Play Close area - was then sold off and bought to ensure it remained as free parkland for residents.

The building did not become a pub until some time in the 1900s, after a brief use as a tea room, and it underwent a full refurbishment in 1996.

Go to www.virtualtours.rkh.co.uk/everards/anne-of-cleves to take a virtual tour of the pub or call Everards on 0116 201426 if you are interested in taking over.