Restaurateur 'knew farm lease was for 10 years, not for life'

A COUNCIL has responded to an acclaimed restaurant's concerns after they were told they had to “move on” to another holding.

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Paternoster Farm in the village of Hundleton, Pembrokeshire, has received rave reviews by the likes of the Good Food Guide and The Times.

But, as reported in yesterday's edition, its founder Michelle Evans said the restaurant has been forced to shut by the end of the year after receiving confirmation that its lease had not been renewed by its landlord, Pembrokeshire county council.

Ms Evans expressed frustration at the council’s handling of the situation, claiming the business’ future was abruptly cut short when the site was offered to another party without consultation.

She said: “The local authority are asking us to move to another of their holdings in north Pembrokeshire, irrespective of the fact we have built a business here that's tightly woven into the local community.

“Guests plan their holidays around dining with us, even booking their accommodation to be near to us.