Can we be forced to sell our PPR then? Do you think the VF nowadays is open to negotiating a settlement or will they go hardline and go after the full amount with no negotiation?
Much will depend on the VFs view on the value of your home. If you have a particularly valuable home, with significant equity in it, expect them to try and push you to downsize. A more modest home will not be as attractive to them.
Regardless, any attempt to to force the sale of your home, can be defended, and the odds are very much in your favour, if it ends up in a court room.
Keep the cash that's available "ring fenced", and wait for the VF to contact you. They'll be in touch, in due course. Don't agree to use part of it, to make regular payments, as this will disadvantage you.
In the meantime, explore other possible options, in terms of the pub, and potential sources of income.
You mentioned that the pub hasn't be leased for a year - why can't you and your husband run it, or your husband and his brother?
If neither your husband or his brother are working there, and can't, or won't, what are they doing for regular income?
Does the lender also have a charge over the licence, or just the freehold property?
Is there any potential to develop the property, maybe increase capacity, add an additional facility (restaurant, shop, off licence, take-away, or even residential - subject to planning permission etc.) ?
If the pub is no longer viable, then explore the possibility of a complete change in use (subject to planning permission, and potential to either increase value, or generate a regular income from it).
Speak to a local architect, and seperately a local estate agent, to get their opinions on what options there are for the commercial property.