'A slap in the face': Heartbroken pub landlord at Leeds The Vesper Pub axed by chain
A Leeds pub landlord claims he's being axed by a chain - just days after revealing an eye condition left him disabled.
Ryan Edwards, 55, says he told Punch Pubs by email that his worsening sight has now been classed as a disability.
But just six days later, he claims he was served notice on his tenancy at The Vesper Pub in Kirkstall with no explanation.
He says he has been backed by dozens of regulars offering "overwhelming" support, adding that he is now consulting a discrimination lawyer.
Punch Pubs said the decision was made following 'ongoing issues' and is not linked to his personal circumstances.
Ryan, who has been running the pub for a year, said: "It was a slap in the face and a complete shock. I was really disappointed."
He said his health battle began three years ago when he was struck down with sepsis and was "half an hour away from death".
He spent three months in intensive care - and said the illness caused cataracts and glaucoma, affecting his eyesight over the last two years.
Ryan said his vision became "worse and worse", eventually leading to the condition being classed as a disability.
After being advised by his insurance company to inform Punch, he emailed an area manager on March 3 explaining the situation.
But he said he received no response - and chased it up six days later. He claimed he was then sent an email giving him three months' notice to leave.
Ryan said the message offered no explanation for the decision - despite thanking him for his hard work.
The landlord explained he had poured time, money and energy into turning the pub around.
He said: "When I took on the pub last year, it was failing.
"To break even, it had to take about £10,500 a week to cover all the bills. When I took over, it was taking about £5,000. Now, we're doing about £13,000 a week.
"It has become a massive community pub and the life has come back into it. It's beautiful. I think because I've made it a success, Punch want to stick one of their managers in to get the profit."
Ryan claimed he has repeatedly asked the chain for a reason behind the decision but has yet to receive an answer.
He said he is now consulting a discrimination lawyer, adding: "I should be concentrating on my health.
"But now I'm having to spend my time thinking about who's coming through the door to close the pub."
However, he said that regulars have backed him, adding: "The community response has been overwhelming, the level of support is unbelievable."
Responding, Neil Dawson, Punch Pubs & Co Operations Director, said: "We are aware of the concerns raised publicly by Mr Edwards at the Vesper Gate.
"Relationships with all our Publicans are underpinned by clear contractual obligations.
"In this instance, over a number of months we have held discussions and explored options to address ongoing issues and the general direction of the pub and have since exercised our right to bring the agreement to an end.
"The decision to serve notice was not taken lightly and was also not influenced by any personal circumstances.
"We fully recognise the important role pubs play in their local communities and understand the strength of feeling locally.
"We remain focused on handling the situation appropriately and responsibly."