Last orders at village pub

A NORTH Warwickshire village has lost its last remaining pub.

The Boot Inn in Watling Street, Grendon, has boarded up its windows and closed for good.

It is the latest pub to call last orders in Grendon.

The Black Swan, also on Watling Street, has been closed to the public for more than four years. Local councillors have expressed their sadness at losing the Boot Inn and believe it will have large implications on the social life in Grendon.

Cllr Andy Wright, ward member for Baddesley Ensor and Grendon on North Warwickshire Borough Council, said: “We are not quite sure what has happened or what the pub will become all we know is that it is has been closed and is boarded.

“Pubs are the beating hearts of any community and the fact that we have lost the Boot is going to have a big effect on Grendon.

“Pubs these days are all about real ales, none of the lagers and cheap bitters and I think that is why it has struggled. Pubs are still an asset to the community though.

“It is a real shame, it is in a great location and has always served the public who want to socialise and even hold meetings.

“We still have the working men’s club, but it is not the same as a proper pub and the fact that we have now lost our last one is a real blow for everyone living in the area.”

No clear cut plans have been submitted as to what the Boot Inn will become, but many hope someone will step in to ensure it stays as a pub.

Cllr Ray Sweet, who also represents Baddesley Ensor and Grendon, said: “People and pubs have changed over the years.

“People are more likely to sit in their back gardens in nice weather and have a barbecue with a can of beer or a bottle of wine than go to the pub.

“This will be a real loss for the community as the locals who use it will have to travel further to get a drink. Years ago pubs were used throughout the day when we had the mining community and we have miners coming off shift at all different times and going for a drink.

“This has changed now.”