Pubs in Coventry have responded to show support and gratitude after a sad weekend saw news three venues in the city would be closing.
As previously reported, Management at The Lion’s Inn, a former pub turned curry house in Coundon, The Aardvark on the Butts and the Town Wall Tavern on Bond Street, have all said they will be closing.
The latter two are owned by pub company giant Stonegate who say both will re-open under new management as soon as possible.
But it was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the hospitality industry which is facing an incredibly tough time. Four city pubs took to social media in the wake of their news to share condolences to colleagues who have left the industry and customers for their support.
The Festival Pub in Finham shared a statement on its Facebook page.
It read: “Dear Customers. We appreciate the support each and everyone of you give us
“As you may have read several Coventry pubs are shutting or have recently shut. We are one of the last traditional community pubs in the city.
“Jacqui has striven for years to provide a pub that serves everyone. We have no intention of shutting and value your input.
“A little known fact is despite beer prices most pubs like ourselves make 12-18 pence a pint due to overheads and a lack of government support.
“Once again your support is appreciated. Check out our next events. Hope to see you soon.”
The Craven Street Club posted: “With the sad news over the weekend that three more of Coventry’s pubs are closing down, we wanted to take a moment to just say a simple Thank You to all our customers and friends.
“It is without doubt a difficult period for pubs, it’s undoubtedly a difficult period for many families and people due to the cost of living and we all understand the impact that has on our daily lives.
“However, here at The Craven Club we do not take your company for granted. We appreciate every single person who goes out at the weekend, who want to unwind and relax with a few drinks and they choose to spend their time and hard earned money with us. We strive to put on great entertainment and create a memorable atmosphere so you, the hardworking people of Coventry can have a night out you so deserve.
“So we simply say Thank You! We hope you continue to support us here at The Craven Club and we will continue to put on nights for you to remember.”
The Stag and Hen in the city centre said: “We were sad to hear of the closure of The Town Wall Tavern, The Aardvark and The Lion’s Inn Cedars over the weekend.
“Supporting your independent pub is more important than ever in the closed football season, we wish them well and congratulate them on their effort. We know what it takes to run a pub in these times.”
The Miners Arms in Ernesford said: “With the sad news of three local pubs closing we here at The Miners Arms Coventry just want to take this moment to wish all the publicans and their families the best of luck on their future endeavours and our hearts go out to all the staff now jobless through no one’s fault – as the publican, like my self, do everything in our power to keep going.”
The statement continued, taking a sarcastic jibe at the powers that be: “But with the rising costs and the lack of help and support from our AMAZING government, it is inevitable.
“On average two pubs a day are closing now and that’s more families and more staff and more regulars losing their establishments homes and jobs.
“So we here at the Miners Arms just want to take this moment and THANK each and every one of you regulars new and old for all the return and new custom you bring us and helping keeping our establishment going.
“We will always do what we can to keep the lights on, the beer cold and flowing, just like you have always come in every day to drink with us.”
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