Four pubs in Bedminster have closed their doors today (March 29) with immediate effect in a huge blow to the community. The Tap and Barrel on Dean Lane and Albert Lounge on West Street have both confirmed their immediate closure on social media, with signs appearing on the London Inn, Canon Street, and Black Cat, also on West Street confirming they are also shut.
The decision for the closures shared by the Tap and the Albert - as they're affectionately known - is due to mounting pressures of the cost of living, including energy price hikes and rising supplier costs. All four pubs - known for their live music nights and affordable pints - are located within a 500-metre radius of each other and are believed to be under the same ownership.
Signs have been stuck to the doors of the Black Cat, Tap and Barrel and London Inn, with the same message: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we are closed till [sic] further notice."
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Posting a statement on Facebook, the Albert Lounge said: "It is with regret, we inform you, that as of today 29th March 2023, the Albert lounge has ceased trading. The decision has been taken predominantly due to increased price rises with energy rates and all of our suppliers.
"On behalf of the Albert team management, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued loyalty for the past seven years. Without your support, our success would not have been possible, however under the current business climate, we have been left with no option but to close down.
"Thank you once again for the loyal and continuous support you have shown us over the years we have been trading. We will miss you all, and feel truly devastated that it has come to this."
The Tap and Barrel also made an announcement. "As you may of heard The Tap and Barrel has unfortunately had to close due to constant rise in cost of living," it wrote on Facebook. "We regret this very much but would like to thank all customers who walked through our doors for their custom and a huge thanks to staff for your hard work.
"A huge thanks to Deb for all the work she put in trying to keep it open. Thank you and we wish you all the best."
Another statement from Bristol entertainer Brad 'Foz' Foskett, who was due to play the Black Cat this Sunday, read: "It is with a very heavy heart I have to say that due to very unfortunate circumstances Sunday’s gig at The Black Cat Pub is cancelled.
"I’m sure that most would have heard by now why, another four amazing bars have become victim to the high cost of living and without any financial help, myself I wish Deb and family and all the staff that worked the bars all the very best for the future and hopefully there’ll be a solution to all this. Cheers."
The news of the closures has come as a huge shock to the community. On Facebook, Laura Tucker said: "So sorry to hear this! What is Bedminster without our local pubs!"
"Totally awful news one of the best venues we’ve played," John Hughes said of Albert Lounge.
On the Tap's closure, Matthew Hill wrote: "Devastated it's not just the pubs it's a community of people it's the banter it's somewhere to look forward to seeing certain folk very sad indeed."
"Bedminster will not be the same," Dave Gorwill commented. Another remarked that the closures were "an end of an era".
BristolLive has approached the individual understood to be the owner of all four pubs for comment.
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