By Trevor Greenway

Local Journalism Initiative

There is no imminent opening date set for the Black Sheep Inn, according to current co-owner Paul Symes. 

Symes told the Low Down Feb. 24 that, while he wants nothing more than to see the Wakefield music venue back up and running, the deal to transfer ownership of the building and the business is highly complicated and will take some time. 

“It felt that we were closer in November than we are now,” said Symes. “But it might right itself, and it might get going again, but it’s not like anything is imminent either. I don’t want to pretend that.”

Symes explained that the deal includes two aspects: the business sale, which involves the selling of shares, and a mortgage of the building. Symes said “both are incredibly complicated and still need a lot of work.”

The Low Down published a front-page article in December of last year that the Sheep was returning with a late January opening date. However, the deal between Symes and Jennifer Nesbitt, who owns the other half of the business and the building, is still being finalized. 

Extensive renovations have taken place since August, and the space is all but ready to host events. Once an agreement has been signed, the venue is expected to reopen.

Prior to the pandemic, The Black Sheep Inn had been a premier destination for local, national and international performers. It was shuttered during the pandemic and has so far remained closed.