News / Bristol
Time called on two of Bristol’s most popular pubs
The team behind two of Bristol’s most popular pubs and live music venues have announced they are having to call time on the businesses this summer.
The Stag and Hounds, in Old Market Street, has announced that it will be forced to close in May this year, while The Kingsdown Wine Vaults manager broke the news “with a heavy heart” that the much-loved local of Kingsdown Parade will cease trading in June.
Both venues have built up a stellar reputation for hosting live music events and the news of their demise has met with widespread dismay from punters and musicians alike, as many gear up for a last series of gigs to ensure the businesses go out with a bang.
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The Stag and Hounds put an announcement on its website on Friday, saying: “As a few of you already know, The Stag and Hounds will be handed back by ourselves at the end of May.
“Through a series of events and circumstances – some out of our control – we have looked at the books and it’s not viable for us to carry on to see the contract out. Our final weekend will be Friday, May 26, to Sunday, May 28.
“Thanks for all your help and support over the last six years. We’ve had a right laugh and we’ll be back in other forms and guises before you know it.”
The team that runs the two venues is also behind the popular city centre bar Mothers Ruin, in Nicholas Street, and has established favourites in the Bristol calendar, including Stagfest – a four-day event of music, ales, barbecues coming up in April.
Marc Griffiths of the Kingsdown Wine Vaults made an announcement on Facebook, saying: “It’s with a heavy heart that I can confirm the Kingsdown Wine Vaults will be closing on June 30. this year (at the latest).
“Due to a change of ownership in the building, our agreement to run it as a pub will not be renewed.”
In a subsequent post, he thanked people for the numerous messages of support and said: “It is heartwarming that the pub is so well loved by everyone and that what we have been doing for the last five years has been appreciated.”
Marc added that “a series of events” have led to the impending closure and stated “the whole economics of the pub business is in turmoil.”
He revealed that the pub is to be marketed as a going concern first before it potentially gets sold and expressed hope The Kingsdown Wine Vaults may live on to fight another day.
Read More: Calling time on Bristol pubs
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