Nottinghamshire residents say they are "surprised" that Wetherspoon will be closing a popular town centre pub. It was announced on Wednesday, March 22, that the Sir John Arderne in Newark would be closing its doors for good.
While an official date has not yet been confirmed for the closure, many residents in the town say they will be sad to see another business lost. The pub, on Church Street, has been a mainstay for bargain beer-hunters for decades and was named in honour of the first English surgeon, who lived in Newark in the 1300s.
When asked her thoughts on the closure, retired Tessa Bailie, 70, of Newark, said: "I think it's very sad. We have had meals in there and all sorts.
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"Sometimes the tables outside can get a bit rowdy and people don't like that corner which is a shame as there are other nice cafes there. We went to Liverpool the other week and there were six Wetherspoon pubs there."
Tessa continued: "The prices are great, and it's so reasonable because you get your drink with your meal. I'm really surprised, as you just think they are a huge success, so something must have gone wrong somewhere.
"It is a shame, the town centre will be dead soon."
Street food vendor, Chris Clewer, 41, added: "I've only ever been in for breakfast and stuff, so it's not really a loss to me personally. It's always sad to see a business close in the town.
"They must have a reason for closing it as it was always busy, never quiet."
A 67 year old retired Balderton resident who did not wish to be named said: "I haven't personally used it much, but I have been in there a couple of times. The thing is with everywhere like that, all the other pubs here have the same thing, there's no variety.
"There's nothing that makes that different to the Marston's up at the roundabout. Why would I come into town for this when there's something the same within walking distance?"
Newark resident, Robert Cain, 55, said: "I'm amazed, I would have thought Wetherspoon would be the only place that would survive really well in Newark. I've been there once since it opened 20 or 30 years ago.
"It was a furniture shop before."
His friend Adam Pailing, 27, added: "Before I left Newark I used to go there a lot with my friends, it was cheap drinks and cheap food for students.
"It is surprising, as it's always been there - since I was born." A man in his thirties who did not wish to be named added: "I would like it to stay.
"I've been quite a bit and I like it there, so it would be good if it stayed."
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