Last orders for Coventry’s Spon Gate as Wetherspoon confirms pub’s closure
Coventry’s nightlife is set to descend further into decline after the announced closure of one of the city’s four Wetherspoon pubs.
The Spon Gate, located at the edge of Coventry city centre, has been named as one of several outlets set to be axed by the beloved pub-chain as it looks to tighten costs.
Last orders for the establishment will be called on 25 May, after which the venue will close.
Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon cited a commercial decision for the move, telling The Boar: “On occasion Wetherspoon does close or sell some of its pubs and this is the case here.
“We know that our loyal customers, including many students, will be disappointed, and we apologise to them.”
Opening in 2010, the outlet never attracted the same student following as its far more popular sister branch The Benjamin Satchwell in Leamington Spa, or even The City Arms in Earlsdon.
From spirits to spiking, The Spon Gate will forever live on in our hearts. The hood lost a real one
Josh, second-year Warwick student
Nonetheless, it retained a small but devoted base of Warwick patrons as a stop on Coventry bar crawls, and for its unique location in the Coventry Skydome beside the ODEON cinema.
Josh, a second-year, was one of those heartbroken by the news. He mourned: “From spirits to spiking, The Spon Gate will forever live on in our hearts. The hood lost a real one.”
Kendall, another undergraduate Wetherspoon patron, agreed: “The death of a Spoons is like the death of an entire universe.”
The outlet has not yet confirmed what will happen to staff working at The Spon Gate, though reports in the Mirror suggested they had been offered positions at other Wetherspoon outlets.
Other favourites of Warwick students, including the Satchwell, the Arms, The Flying Standard, and The Earl of Mercia, do not appear to be at risk.
Plans for the opening of a sixth – now fifth – local Wetherspoons in Kenilworth, the Dictum of Kenilworth, also remain on course.
Despite news of its closure, The Spon Gate’s final weeks will likely remain as busy as usual. The Boar could confirm on the Saturday night the venue’s closure was announced that the pub was fully packed, with a DJ and coloured lights on.
I know how much these pubs mean to both staff and regulars. It’s always sad to see one close, as it’s more than just a workplace, it’s a community hub
Matthew, Warwick student and Wetherspoon employee
Prices were unnotable, with a pitcher of Pimm’s, at £7.44, on par with costs at other Coventry venues run by the chain. It was slightly pricier, though, than the £6.67 a Boar reporter was set back purchasing the same drink in The Benjamin Satchwell.
The pub’s loss, at a time when nightlife across Coventry appears to be in chronic decline, will be mourned by local residents and students alike. Named after one of the historic entrances to the city demolished in 1771, The Spon Gate had become a fixture of the local community in its fifteen short years, bearing photos and illustrations of the city’s history in its interior.
Matthew, a Warwick student and Wetherspoon employee, encapsulated the feelings of many: “I know how much these pubs mean to both staff and regulars. It’s always sad to see one close, as it’s more than just a workplace, it’s a community hub.
“I’m sure that its loss will be felt.”
Comments (1)
I have sent this email to my MP, Wetherspoons, and the Skydome Management, to help everyone,
RE: Closure of Spon Gate Wetherspoon in Coventry can it be re considered by both parties.
Hello,
As a Customer of Wetherspoon/Skydome for over 30 years, i am disappointed to know that the Closure of the Spon Gate pub, is coming on May 25th.
This is a sad loss, to the whole community, it is the best and the biggest of all the Spoons, in Coventry, with impressive, customer service, Charitable community concerns, it is also has great access for Disablilty people, in wheel chairs. Which is a Godsend for people in such conditions.
The Space area, is the most impressive, which makes it easier for people, it is also, used, by the Hockey, and Rugby fans, on Match days, which are only next door, for the Hockey that is, and the Ice Skating crowd, who frequent the place as well. As well as the cinema people.
I really believe this will be a sad loss to the Community as a whole, as it used, not only for social reasons, also for Community activities,
All i know, through Chinese whispers, is that the Rent, or Leasehold, is, up for renewal, and it has gone up way to high to be affordable, for both parties. It is a commercial decision, as it stands, as the Customer is King, i think it should be reversed, and reconsidered, by both parties, Wetherspoons and Skydome, to the betterment of everyone, Customer, Staff, and the Owners, as well as the Community, as a whole.
Please re consider, as, it would be a loss for all,
Kind regards,
Avtar Disange
Customer of Skydome and Weaterspoons.