Work has started on the 750-year-old Cock Inn in Sibson after years of decline, but campaigners say they are still not convinced the historic pub will fully reopen.
Work has finally begun to restore one of Leicestershire’s oldest pubs after years of complaints, concern and growing frustration from local residents.
The Grade II listed Cock Inn in Sibson, near Market Bosworth, has stood empty since 2019 and fallen into visible disrepair — despite its rich 750-year history and local claims linking it to infamous highwayman Dick Turpin.
Now, pub operator Star Pubs & Bars says restorative work has officially started ahead of a planned full refurbishment later this year.
But while villagers have welcomed signs of movement at the historic site, many say they remain sceptical after years of delays.
Historic Pub Left Empty Since 2019
The black-and-white timber-framed pub has become a source of growing concern for residents in Sibson, with broken fencing, damaged windows and deteriorating conditions raising fears over the future of the building.
Campaigners have spent years pushing for action to save the historic inn and reopen it to the community.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has been holding discussions with Star Pubs & Bars regarding restoration work and conservation issues linked to the listed property.
Council leader Stuart Bray said restoring the pub was essential for preserving an important part of the borough’s heritage.
“It’s essential we get this very important bit of the borough’s heritage restored and reopened as soon as possible,” he said.
“I’m pleased the owners have engaged with us but I am critical of how long it has taken and if the work stalls again I won’t hesitate to use the council’s enforcement powers.”
Concerns Still Remain
Despite the start of restoration work, some local campaigners believe progress has been too slow and are unconvinced the project is moving quickly enough.
Jonathan Collett, one of the residents campaigning for the reopening of the pub, said early work on the building appeared limited so far.
“We’re still sceptical,” he said.
“It looks like preliminary work so far with the replacement of a window.
“We’ll be happier when we see much more of the work done and we’re still really frustrated by how long it has taken to get here.”
Campaigners also argued the council should have taken stronger enforcement action earlier under Section 215 powers, which can require owners to improve neglected properties affecting local amenity.
New Operator Lined Up
Star Pubs & Bars confirmed that it intends to carry out a full refurbishment of The Cock Inn over the summer.
The company also revealed that an interested operator is already progressing through the legal process to take on the pub ahead of a planned autumn reopening.
A spokesperson said: “We are doing restorative work on the property with the intention of undertaking a full refurbishment of The Cock Inn over the summer.
“We can confirm that we have an interested party currently going through the legal process to take on the pub with a view to an early autumn opening.”
Community Hope for Historic Pub
For many villagers, the reopening of The Cock Inn would represent far more than just another pub returning to trade.
Historic pubs often act as community hubs in rural villages, bringing together residents, visitors and local history under one roof.
After sitting empty for more than six years, locals are now hoping this latest development finally marks the beginning of a genuine revival for one of Leicestershire’s oldest pubs.
Conclusion
While restoration work has finally started at The Cock Inn, many residents say they will only truly celebrate once the doors reopen and customers are back inside.
For now, cautious optimism remains in Sibson as the future of the 750-year-old pub slowly begins to take shape again.
Do you think more should be done to protect historic pubs from falling into disrepair? Let us know in the comments.
