An MHK has led a chorus of shock at the closure of a landmark pub.

The Glen Mona Hotel in Maughold has now been put up for sale by owners Paul and Jackie Corteen with a price tag of £389,000.

Local MHK Daphne Caine, who held political surgeries at the hostelry along with the other Garff MHK Martyn Perkins, led the feeling of shock at the closure of the pub.

She told the Examiner: ’It’s very sad news for Maughold and the wider community that the Glen Mona is to close.’

struggle

She added: ’We can all appreciate what a struggle it has been for a rural pub during the pandemic plus with the double whammy of losing the TT and MGP.

’Despite that they had put huge efforts into building the business - starting a shop during lockdown and afterwards holding twice monthly car boot sales, hosting a darts team and so much more. It also served us well for the political surgeries we held there periodically- the warmth of their hospitality was equal to the real fire.

’Only last week (tenant) Laura posted that Sunday lunch was fully booked but I am aware it had been a struggle to keep staff especially during the border restrictions.

’I hope it won’t be the end of the Glen Mona pub but it is a shame it has closed this week. I believe it is now up for sale and the best outcome would be for an owner proprietor to take it forward as a pub restaurant with rooms.’

Glen Mona’s tenant Laura Byrne announced the venue’s closure in a message on the pub’s Facebook page when she said: ’This isn’t a nice post for me to write, but just to inform you that I will sadly be leaving the Glen Mona with immediate effect. I must honestly say that it has been the hardest decision of my life and I will miss it dearly.

’Not only blood, sweat and tears have gone in to making it the success it was, I’ve also met the most nicest people and blown away with the support from both friends and strangers. You are all amazing and I can’t thank you enough for your support.

’I’m sure you’re all aware that this hasn’t been the easiest of years with covid and the lack of TT and MGP, especially for businesses such as myself, that paired with the struggle to get staff (made harder with the borders closed). News has already spread and I’ve been inundated with messages of support and kind words, hence the delay of putting this on the page.

’Thank you all so much for being such amazing people who have supported me and the pub. I really do write this with a heavy heart.

The pub had been fully refurbished in the last couple of years and bills itself as a ’welcoming pub with darts, pool and a cosy fire. The new heart of the Maughold community’.

Owner Paul Corteen confirmed Mrs Byrne had come to him last week and said she had done all she could. He said the hotel is now being offered to sale by Cowley Groves as a destination country pub and restaurant with letting bedrooms.