Owners decide to close pub after running up big losses

A PUB in Newport has said it will not reopen post-lockdown as the effects of coronavirus begin to be felt by bars and restaurants.

The Ferns on Lliswerry Road has been open for more than 20 years but confirmed last week that it would not reopen after lockdown restrictions were lifted.

“We as a business have tried everything we could to keep things going, even to the point of taking losses and investing our own money,” the pub’s management said in a statement.

“We have decided to surrender the lease back to the landlord as the business is no longer viable due to the high business overheads and zero income for several months resulting in huge losses.

“On top of that is the reduced future footfall and loss of business as a whole as the country emerges from lockdown.”

The pub added that it had recently undergone renovations in preparation for reopening but had now been forced into making a “difficult decision”.

The pub said that anyone with bookings would be contacted about a refund in the next seven days.

Covid-19 has meant many pubs have struggled to reopen, and while outdoor pubs and restaurants in Wales were allowed to open last week, many traders, including chains like Wetherspoons and Brains, have decided to delay reopening.

Just down the road on Nash Road, The Victoria has also been trading for more than 20 years and has also confirmed it will be closing in the new year.

Lliswerry councillor Allan Morris said the loss of the pubs was a shock. “It’s a sign of the times,” he said. “When you can buy four cans for the price of a pint down the pub, it’s not an easy business to run.”