WETHERSPOONS is set to shut a beloved city-centre pub in a matter of weeks and now its exact closure date has now been confirmed.
The Spon Gate, a cherished haunt in Coventry, will be calling last orders for the final time next month.
Wetherspoons has now confirmed that it will shut up shop on Sunday, May 25.
It is believed that workers at The Spoon Gate, which is named after one of the 12 gates in the city’s medieval wall, will be offered roles elsewhere in the company.
This decision is part of a broader strategy by the pub chain, which has seen several of its establishments put up for sale or closed in recent times.
A spokesperson for Wetherspoons said: “It is a commercial decision taken by Wetherspoon.
“We thank all our staff and customers over the years.”
The closure will mean punters in Coventry will now only have two other options other Wetherspoons pub.
The Spon Gate is not the only Weatherspoons branch set to close, with another pub shutting in a matter of days.
Wetherspoons also announced the closure of The Quay in Poole, Dorset, scheduled for March 23.
The seaside branch will be taken over by new owners, Hall & Woodhouse.
The boozer, which sits inside a grade II listed building on the seafront, was taken over by Spoons in 1996.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Prince William visits a J D Wetherspoons pub” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367133849112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]The pub industry has been facing significant challenges recently.
In 2024 alone, over 289 pubs permanently closed, leading to the loss of approximately 4,500 jobs, according to last month’s British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) research.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.
“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.
“We’re right behind Labour’s mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep their doors open.
“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities.”
Additionally, starting April 1, 2025, a new regulation will come into effect, requiring pubs to pay a fee to sell takeaway pints.
During the pandemic, the government relaxed licensing laws, to allow pubs to sell takeaway pints.
This allowed many businesses to stay afloat during lockdown, but from April 1, this popular practice will be banned.
Many pub landlords were in favour of the law relaxation, as it allowed for a boost in sales, whilst having a takeaway option is seen as a major positive for many pub-goers.
The change has sparked concerns among pub owners about potential revenue losses.
OTHER WETHERSPOONS NEWS
Spoons also launched a £2.99 breakfast deal last month, with customers able to get a breakfast muffin or small breakfast with soft or hot drink.
There are also veggie options available, which is served between 8am and midday.
Meanwhile tea and toast, which comes with two slices and either jam or marmalade, is just £2.49.
It’s not been all good news for Wetherspoons punters in recent months though.
The pub chain exclusively revealed to The Sun in January it had increased the price of a host of drinks and meal deals by up to 30p.
The chain hiked prices on drinks by 15p while meal deals were bumped up by 30p.
Spoons said a number of drinks had not gone up in price, including all draught lagers such as Budweiser, Carling and Coors.
Spoons boss Tim Martin said the pub chain had “tried to remain as competitive as possible” with its pricing.