Popular city centre pub to close permanently with plans for 'final hurrah'

[dutchman]

The Town Wall Tavern is set to shut its doors for good



A city centre pub has announced it will close less than a year after reopening. The Town Wall Tavern on Bond Street was taken over by new licensee Ian Brownsword and reopened at the end of February 2025.

It was welcome news after the spot had been closed for several months, with the previous landlords saying they'd been running at a loss for months. But it has now been revealed the pub's future is in doubt once more.

"We regret to share that The Town Wall Tavern will be closing in the coming weeks," a post on the pub's Facebook page reads. "With immediate effect, our kitchen will be closing due to issues beyond our control."

The tough decision has come amid personal issues, problems with energy supply and ongoing concerns with the brewery.

The post continues: "As we approach the end of our first year at The Town Wall Tavern, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close the pub. This decision has not been taken lightly. There are many reasons behind it, some personal, but largely relating to ongoing issues with the pub itself including new issues with the kitchen/gas supply and our current agreement with the brewery.

"Despite our best efforts over the past year and the hard work and dedication, we no longer wish to continue operating under the current circumstances - even though this is a place we truly adore."

Management took the opportunity to thank customers and reveal plans to stay open for a little while to allow staff to find new jobs.

"Over the last year, we have met some truly wonderful people and made memories that will stay with us forever," the post continues. "Have also supported and been supported by our wonderful neighbours and we are deeply grateful to them and every customer who has supported us, especially the amazing community that has grown around the pub.

"For the time being, the bar will remain open while we support our fantastic staff in finding new opportunities and ensure that no one is left without help or support during this transition. The closure will happen once they are all happy and have new opportunities to go to.

"We do not yet have a final closing date, but when the time comes, there will absolutely be a final hurrah, and we will give plenty of notice so we can all raise a glass together one last time.

"For now, we are still here. We’re being open, honest, and committed to spending these coming weeks making a few more great memories with our incredible staff and loyal customers — and going out with a bang.

"Our Friday karaoke and Sunday open mic will continue as normal until the very end. Thank you sincerely for your support."

The post was signed off "Ian and the team."

The pub has been warmly received since it reopened - it was particularly praised for its Sunday lunches and friendly atmosphere. It was on the cusp of launching a new pie menu which will sadly now not go ahead.

It is a difficult time for the industry after decades of various challenges. The smoking ban in 2007, dirt cheap alcohol prices in supermarkets, changing social habits and persistent tax hikes means making a pub a success is now harder than it's ever been.

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/popular-city-centre-pub-close-33351007

[dutchman]

Publicity stunt?

The Town Wall Tavern had been due to close - but the landlord has now said 'we're going nowhere'



The landlord of a much-loved Coventry pub has revealed he will stay on at the venue - a month after saying it would close.

The Town Wall Tavern on Bond Street is a well-known and historic drinking establishment in the city centre. Current licensee Ian Brownsword took over the venue and reopened it at the end of February 2025.

After sharing the post with a heavy heart, the response from the community and regulars led him to rethink, Ian will now stay with his team and fight on.

Ian told CoventryLive: "When I first put the post on Facebook saying we were closing, the response was incredible. Within half an hour my phone was ringing and people were begging us to stay. Seeing how much the pub means to people really hit home.

"I realised just how much we’ve built here. The feedback from customers, the lovely comments and the support from the community made me think - we can’t just give up on this.”

Ian, who is 35, is new to being a landlord but is familiar with the pub and club scene, having previously earned his living working as a DJ.

His first year in charge has put the pub back on the map - the good food, live entertainment and a cosy, friendly feel has made it stand out. Business has been good, but Ian admits he did become a bit disillusioned with the industry.

"This pub has done really well since we reopened, and it does make money," he continued. "But it mostly makes money for the pub company. For us it’s been a struggle, and that’s been hard when you’re putting in 100 hours a week.

"Running a pub under a big company can be tough at times, and it’s something a lot of landlords across the country are dealing with."

But Ian has fallen in love with the pub, making connections with his staff, the locals and the wider community. Seeing the response his thoughts of closing generated, he had to reconsider.

"After everything people said, I just couldn’t give up the fight. I want to keep this pub going for the people who support it.

"We’ve built something really special here. People come in, everyone talks to each other, and there’s a real sense of community."

Explaining why he thinks the pub has been so well received since he and his team have taken over, Ian explained that treating the customer right goes a long way.

"Hospitality is about the people," he said. "Without the customers this pub is nothing, so we try to look after everyone who walks through the door.

"People often say it’s nice to see a landlord actually behind the bar. I greet everyone, talk to everyone and try to make sure people feel welcome."

Some may have noticed the price point at the Tavern - the pub is more expensive than some other nearby city centre venues.

Ian addressed this: "You might pay a pound more for a pint, but you’re sitting in one of the oldest pubs in Coventry with a great atmosphere and people who want to look after you - if you add that one pound up, you're paying a few quid extra for a nicer night out.

"We never have any trouble, we don't need security on the door - in the whole year I've been here there's been no trouble.

"We get teachers, police officers, actors, theatre people from the Belgrade - it’s a really friendly crowd."

A case in point - the venue has recently welcomed stars from the UK's soap scene, its location practically next door to the Belgrade Theatre making it a natural choice for visiting thespians.

Now that he's decided to stay, Ian is thinking of ways to help the Town Wall Tavern keep getting stronger.

"We’re looking at new ideas to help the pub grow, including rebranding as a pie pub and making more use of the space upstairs," he said. “We’ve got live music on Saturdays, karaoke on Fridays and an open mic night on Sundays that’s becoming really popular.”

“The goal now is simple - keep the doors open and keep building something people in Coventry can be proud of.

"This pub belongs to the people who drink here. After seeing the support we had, I knew we had to keep fighting."