Theatre and pub in Lincolnshire seeking buyer

A theatre adjoining a pub and hotel in Horncastle is up for sale.

The Lion Theatre, which operates out of the Red Lion Hotel in Lincolnshire, faces an uncertain future after its landlords moved out of the premises, the BBC has reported. The owner of the pub, hotel and theatre complex – RBNB – has closed the business down while a buyer is still sought.

The 90-seat theatre was purpose built by the amateur dramatic Horncastle Theatre Company in 1988. Award-winning actor Patricia Hodge, from Lincolnshire, was made Honorary President of the group.

Shirley Moffat, from the Horncastle Theatre Company, said the group's future had been left "in a bit of limbo". She added: "For 27 years we've been intimately linked with the Red Lion... Unfortunately for the last year it's been up for sale and they've not been able to find a buyer."

The building is located in the centre of Horncastle and, because of its various different facilities – from food and drinks through to accommodation and entertainment – the business represents a good opportunity for someone look to branch out into the leisure industry.

With a buyer still being sought, a Facebook group has been created to try raise funds so the theatre arm of the Red Lion Hotel can remain open for future productions.