Horror situation at King of Hearts pub in West Walton as Elgoods Brewery bosses were unable to evict tenant
A horror situation left brewery bosses unable to evict a pub tenant despite him allegedly spreading pet food throughout the premises during a year-long stand-off.
The shocking events at the King of Hearts in West Walton have been laid bare by Robin Hotson, the estates manager at Wisbech-based Elgoods Brewery.
He says that over a 14-month period, the venue’s previous tenant and his partner continued to occupy the pub without paying rent or settling outstanding debts.
After eventually coming to a supposed agreement for a handover of the keys, Mr Hotson was left stunned when he showed up to find the doors unlocked and the pub “full to the rafters with rubbish”.
Mr Hotson also claims the tenant deliberately spread pet food and corn throughout the premises in a bid to attract rats and mice.
“The pest controller described it as the worst infestation he had ever encountered,” he said.
“The flooring has had to be ripped out due to contamination with excrement, and fittings and fixtures have been vandalised or removed entirely.
“Ceiling damage from leaks and missing sanitary ware has made parts of the building unsafe.”
The cost of repairs are expected to run into many thousands of pounds, on top of unpaid rent and bills.
“This was a malicious act of vandalism motivated, it seems, by resentment towards the brewery and the local community,” Mr Hotson added.
The Lynn News has been unable to find a way of contacting the previous tenant, and so we have opted not to name him in this article.
Mr Hotson believes the nightmare scenario at the King of Hearts highlights issues with current housing law which leave landlords “powerless” to protect their properties.
He claims that West Norfolk Council advised the tenant to remain in place at the pub until formally evicted, leading to a “long, expensive and distressing process”.
The tenant’s young son supposedly staying at the pub once a week also meant energy companies were legally unable to cut off their supply.
“This case starkly illustrates how current legislation leaves landlords powerless to protect their properties from tenants who exploit the system,” Mr Hotson said.
“We had no right to remove them, even as the damage mounted week after week. It is time for serious reform to prevent such abuse and restore some balance between tenant rights and landlord protections.”
A spokesperson for the borough council said the authority provides “tailored advice” to people who seek support with housing-related issues, ensuring that guidance is “appropriate to their specific circumstances”.
“This includes information on tenants’ rights and options, the legal eviction process, and the implications of remaining in a property beyond the expiry of a notice to leave,” they added.
“We follow government legislation on homelessness but certainly do not recommend that people stop paying their rent.
“There is no predetermined stance on when a tenant should vacate a tenancy. Instead, we engage constructively with both tenants and landlords to facilitate positive outcomes wherever possible.”
Now, however, there are brighter days ahead for the West Walton pub.
Two new tenants, Claire and Dan Smethurst, have taken on the business - and their efforts have been boosted by members of the community who have volunteered their time to help clear the building.
It is anticipated that the reopening will take place at some point in November, although the rat infestation is believed to have created substantial issues.
Mr Hotson added: “The incredible community spirit and hard work shown have turned a difficult time into a hopeful new beginning for the King of Hearts - ready once again to take its place at the heart of West Walton.”
