Owners of ‘LGBT pub’ call time after attacks
THE owners of a popular pub have announced they are giving the venue up for a second time after a spate of violent attacks.
The Levenshulme, on Stockport Road, was transformed into an ‘LGBT friendly’ pub last year but has since reportedly had to cope with ‘violence and aggression.’
Current owners Colin Campbell and Chris Thompson now say it is ‘the right time’ to give up the popular venue.
They will be leaving in January and are now looking for a new publican to take over.
They previously walked away from the venue in 2016 but returned in 2019 to ‘take a risk’ and introduce their ‘LGBTQ+ concept.’
In a statement shared to its Facebook post, owners Colin and Chris announced they ‘cannot go any further with the business.’
The venue was previously attacked by masked thugs in July, who lashed out at bouncers and smashed windows after they were turned away.
Armed police were called to the pub in 2016 after a man threatened customers and staff.
The heartfelt post read: “We would like to explain the current situation and the reasons behind why we have made the decision to eliminate gossip that may occur.
“Unfortunately, due to lots of recent events with aggression and violence and also having to pull back after the pandemic, we feel it’s the right time to leave the pub.
“We took the pub back in 2016 and had put all efforts to make the pub stand out from the rest.
“At that time we were robbed, resulting in us making the decision to leave the pub immediately due to the fear that we felt being in the building.
“Back In 2019, the pub came available and after three years of not being here, we decided we would take the risk and offer to come back to the pub.
“During the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had no idea what we would face.
“We had to make major adjustments that the pub has never had to experience in the whole of its history.
“We came back with a whole new LGBTQ+ concept and this was something we wanted to implement as we felt the community would benefit from.
“This was great and we have done all we could to fulfil the business plan and see it through.
“We don’t want our decisions to have an affect on the community and the patrons that use the pub frequently.
“We would like to thank each and every one of you that have supported us.
“Whilst we have been proprietors of the Levenshulme we have had the most amazing time and we feel like the community has taken to us well, especially with the concept that we implemented.
“Come and enjoy your time here with us while we still can, thank you we love you all and thank you being such a massive part of our lives.
“We leave with positive memories in January and something that will always be close to our hearts.”
The news was met with an outpouring of support from people in Levenshulme.
One regular called it their ‘favourite pub’ whilst others commended owners Colin and Chris for their efforts in transforming the venue.
“You are both so lovely and friendly, it’s such a shame you are leaving. You will be very much missed,” another wrote.