‘I CAN’T PAY THE BILLS ANY MORE’
Landlord says pub forced to shut for 6 months won’t reopen
A TOWN centre pub which has remained shut during the coronavirus pandemic will not reopen.
The White Hart returned to Burslem’s social scene in June 2019 after being converted into an 80s and 90s bar following a £50,000 refurbishment.
It was taken on by experienced publicans Shane Ratcliffe and Dave Berrisford and featured a dance floor and DJ booth as well as a function room upstairs.
But it was forced to close as part of the Government’s lockdown restrictions in March and has never reopened.
The Westport Road venue was previously known as Chillz Bar and before that The Huntsman.
In a Facebook post, manager Dave Berrisford said: “Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions the White Hart 80s and 90s bar will not be reopening.
“Unfortunately, I cannot pay the bills there no more because it has been shut for six months. Thanks to everyone who supported this venue when it was open. I am gutted to say the least.”
It is the latest blow to Burslem’s night-time economy following the closure of The Leopard earlier this year.
Our Burslem community group founder June Cartwright said: “I’m very saddened because the two guys who did The White Hart up worked really hard to turn it into the 80s and 90s bar that it was.
“But they can’t survive if they are not open due to coronavirus – it has killed off a lot of businesses.
“When it was The Huntsman, my brother was the landlord. He brought live music into Burslem and it was well known as a live music venue.
“It became Chillz Bar which again became a live music venue. We have lost a live music venue in Burslem again. Our town has struggled enough, we can do without it. I am very upset about it. Once the pubs come back to life again and the virus is gone, it’s a pub that hasn’t been empty for long periods. There has always been somebody there willing to take it on.
“It is a prime pub and it was a prime music venue. When my brother had it, it was full from 4pm on a Sunday.
“We are one of the places where people come for a night out. We have award-winning restaurants with takeaways and pubs. Our nightlife keeps Burslem going. To lose a venue like this is a terrible thought. Hopefully somebody will come along and take that on.”