Customers have reacted with sadness to the news that a popular bar on Bridgford Road in West Bridgford has closed its doors. The Black Pearl was known for its unique décor, cocktails and pizza.
The owners have confirmed its "impending closure" due to upcoming building work to create new flats above the premises.
They stated that building works have meant it is too uncertain to continue and they had their fifteen staff members to consider. They were unsure of how long the work would take and that it was looking 'bleak.' Work has already begun on the bar where builders are removing the décor and chairs.
Owners Dan Brown and Drew Hewitt said: "Unfortunately we will be closing The Black Pearl once the building work begins, we had hoped to remain trading but as it is major structural work and it's looking rather bleak. We've enjoyed every minute of being here although there is hope we can return once the building works are completed, we are unsure of how long this will take and cannot ask our fifteen staff to wait around for an unspecified amount of time."
Read more: Mum putting kids to bed in 'endless layers' after being left with no heating or hot water
"We would like to thank other local businesses for being so supportive, taking on members of our wonderful team at such a challenging time for hospitality, together we have secured offers for almost all of our staff.
"We'd also like to thank the live music artists, local DJs, cleaning team, security and local suppliers who will also be affected by our impending closure and have supported our little business through the rocky road of Covid, insane price rises and summer heat waves.
"As we're coming up to what would be our third Birthday, it looks like we will be saying goodbye to West Bridgford."
One of the reasons for the closure is the building work which is due to take place on the site to develop seven new flats above the retail units. This will also affect Castle Beauty which is next door to the bar.
The pirate-themed bar opened its doors just before the lockdown in February 2020. The team behind The Black Pearl are also responsible for the adult-themed mini golf venue, Glory Holes on George Street in the city centre and The Lost Caves.
It is just one of a series of closures across West Bridgford which has seen many independent shops close their doors including Connaught House, Hopology and The Health Store, Locally Produced For You. The Blue Camel vintage shop and bar also announced its closure last year.
Kate Ormrod, general manager of The Botanist bar said.: "I think it's really sad and coming from the hospitality sector, West Bridgford had become a destination area. The closure of The Pearl definitely will affect other businesses in the area as there won't be that many places to go. These closures concern everyone." The Botanist is next door to The Black Pearl on Bridgford Road.
"We are staying put as we've had great success with our businesses. We've seen year-on-year growth, especially since Covid which is fantastic. But that's all a bit shaky now because there are so many places closing. We might not see the same footfall that we are used to.
"We aren't concerned about the building works next door as we've grown through licensing and they had done all the sound checks. We are always happy to work alongside the council when it comes to these things. It's been nice to have some diversity to the nightlife around here and it will be sad to see it go."
Katie Adcock lives near Trent Bridge, said: "I didn't know it had closed. I wanted to go to that soon. I’m sad because I’ve just moved to the area and I’ve heard great things about this pub and was looking forward to trying it out."
"I feel it's just a bit of a cycle for the economy but this is such a strong area. I am sure it's going to bounce back soon," said Philip Crowley who was passing by the Black Pearl for a meeting.
Michael Edgeley, 26 from Sneinton was in West Bridgford on business. He commented: "It's worrying to see so many places closing here. West Bridgford is a nice alternative to town because I live so close to it. I don't know what we are going to do if things keep shutting."
