Beloved pub that reopened just 3 months ago suddenly shuts as heartbroken owner ‘tried to find a solution’
A BELOVED community pub has announced it will be shutting its doors again after it reopened just three months ago.
The Moorgate pub in Leeds will serve customers for the last time next Tuesday April 29, following confirmation from one of its managers who posted a heartfelt message on Facebook.
It had been closed for three years prior, and brought great excitement to the town of Kippax when it reopened earlier in the year.
Despite being a healthy business, current manager Dawn shared: “The decision has somewhat been taken out of my hands due to Pete’s lack of propriety (that’s a very polite way of putting it!) and his removal from the premises.”
“Over the past two weeks I’ve tried my hardest to find a solution to keep the pub open with no avail.”
The news has devastated the local community, and attracted an influx of reactions and responses on social media.
One user commented: “That’s sad news, after you did so well to get it open and alive again.”
Another added: “So sorry to hear this news, keep your chin up as you can be proud of all you achieved, such a pity you were let down.”
A staff member of The Moorgate also responded to the post, writing: “Whilst I am gutted I know it wasn’t a decision made lightly.
“I will miss serving all of our lovely customers.”
The venue is owned by Samuel Smith’s Brewey, and had been co-managed by Dawn and Pete since reopening in February.
Dawn added to the announcement that the venue could be managed by anyone else interested.
“The business is healthy, I just can’t do it all on my own.
“I wish this could have turned out differently and hope someone snaps up the opportunity to keep the Moorgate open after all we’ve done all the hard work for it to be open.”
Labour MP Keir Mather reacted to the closure announcement, after championing for it to be reopened.
He said: “It is terrible to hear that the Moorgate will be closing so soon after it opened its doors to the public.
“When I went to the Moorgate after its reopening, it was a lively, community pub which served local people in Kippax very well.”
“The team’s hard work means that it looks like the business is healthy and ready to be taken on by new management.”
Mr Mather is said to be working with community and the brewery to keep The Moorgate open for the community again.