Locals ‘devastated’ as Norwich pub forced to close by major chain

A Norwich pub has been forced to close after it claims it was denied a renewal of its licence by landlord Enterprise Inns which plans to run the pub under its Craft Union Pubs brand.

The Garden House announced the news on Facebook with a statement which read: “It is with much sadness that we have to announce our closure of The Garden House. It is not our decision to do so but the douche canoes at Enterprise Inns have denied us a renewal of our lease as they will be turning it into a Craft Union Pub (Managed House).

“We are grateful for all the support you have shown us over the years with many new friends made. We will be operating as normal until the 14 October which will see us closing the doors to the public for the final time, but until then we hope to see as many of your faces as we can to say, not goodbye but until next time.”

https://www.facebook.com/gardenhousepub/posts/10156400288525795

Over 60 locals have replied to the post in protest, describing the news with commenters describing the news as “devastating”. One Facebook user, Ian Read, said: “It was only a matter of time before they hipsterfied it. I was planning to abstain from beer this evening, but will definitely be having one tonight. Shame.”

Another user Steve Walker, said: “Very sad news. Have enjoyed quizzing there for years. Shame it has to change as it is a great local pub.”

Preston based Craft Union Pubs, part of the Enterprise Inns group, currently operates multiple pubs across the UK. The pub operator has been contacted by Catering Today but is yet to provide a formal response.