MARCO Pierre White has sold and vacated The Pear Tree Inn in Whitley after locals voiced concerns about its new direction.
The pub, which was bought by the celebrity chef in 2011, hit national headlines this month when it emerged Marco Pierre White had sold the pub after claims that local residents were boycotting the establishment.
Regular customers rep-ortedly disliked the rising prices and removing of draught lagers from the bar, which had a menu with more than 40 red wines, the top bottle costing almost £140.
Melksham cllr Terry Chivers said, “The place should be a goldmine, but people don’t go there any more.”
However, the sale has left sous chef Steven McKechnie out of a job. Steven said, “I had the pleasure of working with an amazing head chef, Xavier, who stayed there for three years. Marco Pierre White sold The Pear Tree because of the lack of support from the locals.”
The Pear Tree, on Top Lane, is expected to be taken over by new owners immediately.
