A beloved Wetherspoon pub will soon close its doors for good, sparking concern among looyal customers who fear their town is slowly “disappearing”. The Savoy, located on Regent Street in Swindon town centre, will permanently close on Sunday November 8. Staff have been told Sunday will also be their final day following its sale to an undisclosed buyer, reports The Swindon Advertiser. The pub, which was once a cinema, was first put up for sale this spring and was advertised on Rightmove in May.
Its closure has been hailed as “the final in the coffin” and a “disaster” for the town with locals up in arms to see such a historic location shut.
One local wrote 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.”
“It’s gonna go, unfortunately. Absolutely disgusting what they’ve allowed to happen to our town”, said a second.
One local told The Swindon Advertiser: “Come on Swindonians, fight for our history as too much of Swindon is disappearing!”
Another added: “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 goes looking to enjoy a budget-friendly drink or meal will have limited options, with only two Wetherspoon pubs remaining within reach of the town.
The closest is the Sir Daniel Arms, an eight-minute walk away, while the Dockle Farmhouse is located around two miles from the town centre.
This follows widespread online backlash after footage circulated of a British Army veteran being refused entry to The Star, a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport. In the clip from October 25, a doorman told the man he could not enter wearing a poppy because it was “political” and instructed him to remove it or face being denied service inside.
A spokesperson for the popular pub chain said Wetherspoon is a long- standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and sells poppies in its pubs. Clarifying their stance, the pub said they raised £55,867 for the appeal last year.
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