An historic pub near Nuneaton which was once a haunt of Dick Turpin is set to re-open.
Star Pubs has announced that The Cock Inn at Sibson is set to finally re-open.
It will be the news campaigners have been desperate to hear as they have been waiting years for action since the pub closed in 2019
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Such was the strength of feeling that more than 2,500 people signed a petition for it to not be only refurbished, but re-opened.
Now they will be jubilant that it is to reopen after a seven-year closure following a £480,000 major refurbishment that will start in early October.
Its new licensee Jason Billingham, who has over 20 years of hospitality experience, says he wants to put the shuttered local back on the map as a top-quality independently operated dog-friendly pub that is a hub of the community and serves great food.
When it will open and what it will look like
The Cock Inn is expected to reopen by late November, creating approximately 25 new jobs.
The make-over will see the outside of the Grade II listed thatched pub repainted with new signage and lighting.
A 45- seater courtyard garden will be developed at the rear, complete with festoon lighting and planting.
Inside, the layout with its cosy nooks and snugs will be retained, features such as old flagstone floors and beams will be restored.
Pictures of the pub and the area through time will adorn the walls and all-new toilets, a kitchen refit and an overhaul of the cellar with state-of-the-art dispense equipment
Major news has been announced for the 800-year-old Dick Turpin pub near Nuneaton(Image: Star Pubs)
New licensee Mr Billingham, who also runs The Wheel at Ticknall, which he successfully relaunched in 2026 after a five-year closure. said: “I fell in love with the character and history of The Cock Inn and know the area well as I live in Tamworth and often come out this way.
“Residents are desperate for The Cock Inn to reopen. We’ll be consulting with them every step of the way and evolving The Cock Inn in line with their feedback.
“We’re reopening in the run-up to the festive season and will be going all out to celebrate The Cock Inn’s first Christmas in seven years.”
Craig Foweather, Star Pubs’ investment manager, added: “We’ve been undertaking a lot of essential repair and renovation works over the past few months and are delighted to finally be breaking ground on the main refurbishment works.
“Jason has a proven track record and is the ideal person to take the helm at The Cock Inn. His plans are spot on; The Cock Inn will be a fantastic local for residents and a destination pub for people from across the wider region.”
*Rumour has it that Dick Turpin sought refuge at the pub, hiding up the chimney and putting his horse in the cellar to avoid the authorities.”
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