Sheffield pub closes for refurbishment after changing hands for second time in two months
The new landlady promised to “get it back to how it used to be” with the help of locals
A Sheffield pub has shut for refurbishment after reportedly changing landlords for the second time in two months.
The New Anglers Pub, in Richmond Park Road, Handsworth, was taken over by chain Trust Inns Ltd in August this year with the sudden departure of landlady and landlord, ‘Ruth and Tom.’
In fact, the duo only arrived and completed they own renovations at the venue in November 2025.
However, in a farewell post to the pub’s Facebook page in August, they said their “short-lived dream” had come to an end “due to reasons outside of our control.”
The New Anglers was then taken over by Trust Inns Ltd, with Lisa Thomason arriving as landlady soon afterwards.
However, as of September 29, The New Anglers has seemingly changed hands again.
A post to the pub’s Facebook page on Tuesday announced the venue is again shut for refurbishment.
It reads: “The New Anglers is currently closed while we carry out an exciting refurbishment, giving your local a fresh new look and getting everything ready for our return.
“Our official opening date will be announced very soon, along with more details and a few sneak peeks of what we’ve been working on.”
Additionally, a new landlady, Katie Smith, announced her new venture in a post to her personal profile on September 30.
It reads: “My new and exciting adventure starts in just three weeks!
“I’m really looking forward to this next chapter and all the new experiences that come with it. Hopefully I’ll see lots of familiar faces along the way!”
In replies to others, Ms Smith said the pub’s upholstery “is all being ripped out and brand new seating is getting put in.”
She also replied to one comment written in support her new management, writing: “I’m sure between myself and the locals we can get it back to how it used to be.”
Trust Inns - which advertises venues for sale and leases them to hopeful landlords with a promise to “run your own pub” - was contacted for a comment.
A spokesperson said: “The New Anglers was acquired by Trust Inns on August 18, 2026.
“Upon completion of the acquisition, the previous occupiers, Tom and Ruth, made the decision not to continue operating the business.
“Our tenant has since appointed a new manager, who will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the pub when it reopens following a significant programme of investment and refurbishment.”
The company currently has eight pubs listed for lease in Sheffield.