Pubs and Bars / Prince of Wales
Final farewell at Prince of Wales
The mood is sombre in the Prince of Wales a week before current landlords are to hand over the keys to new owners.
But the team that has stood loyally by Anna Gorman are putting on a brave face as they prepare to go out with a bang at the end of month.
Everything looks the same inside the pub early Thursday lunchtime – the bar is still well-stocked, an appetising bowl of filled rolls ready and waiting, the community book swap remains in the corner, dogs bowls sit on the flagstone floors.
is needed now More than ever
Chalkboards advertise a series of final events at the popular local pub
But chalkboards hint at the changes afoot: a final drink the bar dry party on March 31 is advertised on one board, while another promotes a ‘last roast’ the Sunday prior.
This is the end of an era for the fiercely independent Gloucester Road pub, distinctive for its vibrant exterior, warm welcome and secret covered garden, that has been run by Anna and her team for the least 15 years.
Toby Youde and George Bristow behind the bar at the Prince of Wales
The Bermondsey Pub Company is to take over the venue on April 16 and has issued assurances the popular local will continue to meet the needs of the community.
This follows a legal battle, in which Anna – with the help of a crowdfunding campaign – took on pub giants Enterprise Inns (now known as Ei Group) after she was issue a notice saying the corporation wanted to end the business tenancy with her and put its own manager in place.
Ultimately, despite overwhelming public support, her bid was unsuccessful.
“When it’s gone it’s gone but the memories will stay forever,” her team wrote in a Facebook post.
They added: “Anna Gorman and the team at the Prince of Wales are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support received from the local community. We are sorry the outcome was not any different. New owners will be taking over in due course.”
The covered garden leading through to the toilets that are due to be refurbished
In a statement, Ei Group commercial director Paul Harbottle said: “Bermondsey Pub Company is delighted to be taking over the Prince of Wales and will ensure that the pub continues to meet the needs of the local community.
“Significant investment in the infrastructure including the toilets and kitchen will underpin our commitment to giving Bristol a refreshed and rejuvenated pub that remains a valuable part of the local community.”
He added that the company will be seeking to develop strong business relations with local suppliers.
The Bermondsey Pub Company currently own only one pub in Bristol, the Cotham Arms on St Michael’s Hill.
It’s an end of the era for the pub
Find out more details of the drink the bar dry event here.
Read more: Pub of the week: Prince of Wales
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