The Savoy on Regent Street in Swindon town centre will permanently close on Sunday 8 November following its sale to an undisclosed buyer, leaving locals devastated
A cherished Wetherspoon pub is set to shut its doors permanently, leaving loyal punters worried their town is gradually “disappearing”. The Savoy, situated on Regent Street in Swindon town centre, will close for good on Sunday, November 8.
Employees have been informed Sunday will mark their last shift after the venue was sold to an unnamed purchaser, reports The Swindon Advertiser. The boozer, which previously operated as a cinema, was initially listed for sale this spring and appeared on Rightmove in May.
Its closure has been described as “the final in the coffin” and a “disaster” for the town, with residents fuming over the loss of such an historic venue.
One resident posted on Facebook: “This will be an absolute disaster for our town centre; for me the last nail in the nearly-closed coffin. The Savoy is a meeting place for so many, especially when there are events/shows at the nearby Wyvern Theatre and Meca.
“Also, it’s not a listed building, so I wouldn’t bet against it being demolished to make room for more soulless (and soon to be run down) apartments.”, reports the Express. “It’s gonna go, unfortunately. Absolutely disgusting what they’ve allowed to happen to our town”, commented another.
One resident told The Swindon Advertiser: “Come on Swindonians, fight for our history as too much of Swindon is disappearing!”.
Another remarked: “It’s just a huge shame for the town. I’m angry they’ve let it sell to be honest. We all love coming here and necking some pints; it’s just a good meeting point and it’s such a big part of Swindon.”
Pub-goers hoping to enjoy a wallet-friendly drink or bite to eat will find their choices rather slim, with just two Wetherspoon pubs remaining within striking distance of the town.
The nearest is the Sir Daniel Arms, a mere eight-minute stroll away, while the Dockle Farmhouse sits roughly two miles from the town centre.
This comes in the wake of a widespread online furore after footage emerged of a British Army veteran being turned away from The Star, a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport. In the clip from October 25, a doorman informed the man he was barred from entering while wearing a poppy, deeming it “political”, and told him to remove it or be refused service.
A spokesperson for the well-known pub chain stated that Wetherspoon is a longstanding supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and sells poppies across its pubs. Setting the record straight, the pub revealed they raised £55,867 for the appeal last year.