Our Yorkshire Pub Rescue with Jon Richardson: Team bringing back Yorkshire village 'legend' in the spotlight on Channel 4
It can be hard work bringing back a “legend” of the North York Moors so many years after it last closed its doors.
Now the team behind the community-run pub The Plough at Fadmoor are in the spotlight for Channel 4.
Our Yorkshire Pub Rescue with Jon Richardson sees the comedian go behind-the-scenes with volunteers as they peel back decades or dust and decay.
The first episode of a four-part observational series is to be televised tomorrow at 9pm on More4. There's a long way, though, still to go.
Peter Jones is chairman of Fadmoor Community Pub Limited, which first stepped in to help protect the building as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
“As you will see, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to renovate this derelict pub and to breathe fresh life back into the building," he said.
"As we work on the building, we keep uncovering issues and so it is going to take a lot of time and money to return it to its natural place as the heart of this fabulous rural community."
The Plough at Fadmoor, on a main route into the North York Moors National Park, dates back to 1782 but has been closed since 2011. There was a lengthy planning battle but volunteers were able to take on the site late in 2024 with work starting last year.
It was a community group that helped drive the pub's purchase, with funding from a share scheme and the Government’s Community Ownership Fund as well as local bodies.
The old roof has since had to be refitted, and then there are some structural repairs. Plastering, redecorating, and a long list of ideas.
The TV series, all about The Plough and its local community, follows the restoration project over four weeks.
This first episode sees Jon meeting some of the volunteers, helping with the demolition of the toilet block; and getting supplies for the hungry workers. He also fetches the beer for a meeting where he meets the broader community. The following episodes will show the journey of the pub restoration as Jon gets to know those who are making it happen.
Mr Jones has said much work still needs to be done to bring this beautiful building back to life.
"If you are inspired to come and help us with the renovation or would like to support us with a donation or to invest by purchasing shares please get in touch," he said. "Literally every penny counts and will make the difference to when we can open the pub doors.”
To donate or volunteer visit theploughfadmoor.co.uk.
Gerry McMahon, who worked tirelessly to reopen the pub and was called the committee’s driving force, died in October. The committee members said they were committed to making his vision for the pub a reality.
Mr Richardson, who was born in Lancaster, married comedian Lucy Beaumont in April 2015.
They have a daughter born in September 2016. The couple who lived in the Calder Valley announced their divorce in April 2024.
Our Yorkshire Pub Rescue with Jon Richardson will run on consecutive Wednesdays through February and will also be available on Channel 4’s streaming services.