Northampton's Romany pub stands empty after landlord couple lock up for the last time

After 10 years at the helm, Selena and Rob were asked to leave the pub. Now, the Romany is standing empty
By Alastair Ulke
Published 7th Jul 2020, 13:03 BST
Updated 7th Jul 2020, 13:06 BST
The Romany did not reopen on July 4 - in fact, it may not open its doors ever again.The Romany did not reopen on July 4 - in fact, it may not open its doors ever again.
The Romany did not reopen on July 4 - in fact, it may not open its doors ever again.

A Northampton pub that just weeks ago was gearing up to reopen for the end of the lockdown has now closed for good.

The Romany in Trinity Avenue is now standing empty this week after the couple in charge, Selena Mullen and Rob Okeefe, locked the doors for the last time on July 5 after 10 years at the helm.

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The couple and their family left after the owners, Wellington Pub Company, told them in June they were not going to renew their tenancy and gave them 28 days to leave.

Landlord couple Selena Mullen and Rob Okeefe were told by Wellington Pub Company they were not going to have their tenancy renewed.Landlord couple Selena Mullen and Rob Okeefe were told by Wellington Pub Company they were not going to have their tenancy renewed.
Landlord couple Selena Mullen and Rob Okeefe were told by Wellington Pub Company they were not going to have their tenancy renewed.

The pub had been preparing to reopen in time for July 4 when lockdown measures were set to ease - but instead, the family had to pack their bags and find a new home.

In a post on the pub's Facebook page on Monday, Selena and Rob said: "So today we said goodbye to the pub that was our life and home for the last 10 years.

"We are very sorry this has happened to your community pub, and an institution of Northampton for some 90 years. It’s been an absolute pleasure keeping the pub for you for a decade.

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"We will never forget the friends we made and memories that we will hold dear forever.

"We’ll now raise a glass to everybody who frequented the Romany down the years and wish you all the very best.

"Please continue supporting your locals, they’ll need it now more than ever."

Selena and Rob have lived above the Romany with their three boys for 10 years after taking the helm in 2011.

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This year, VE Day would have been their 10th anniversary at the Kingsley pub, and they were planning to put off a celebration until after the lockdown was over and it was safe to do so.

The Romany was a popular spot for sports and live music and has hosted dozens of live events in the last 10 years.

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