A popular city centre pub has announced it is currently temporarily closed, and will soon be closed for at least an extended period of time, citing licensing pressures and economic challenges.

The pub confirmed on social media that they would be closed this week before reopening for a ‘last weekend’ on Friday and Saturday (October 20-21) to mark the end of the current landlord’s tenancy.

The post cited ‘licensing pressures’ as being behind the decision while also discussing the economic challenges that the wider hospitality industry is currently facing.

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A post on Facebook confirming the news said: “We can’t say what will happen next to The Stanley as we don’t know at this point but there is too much pressure on all independent bars right now.

“This is on top of the current economic challenges with the cost of utilities and products both higher than ever. We will be going out in style this weekend and having a big two-day party. Thanks for everything.”

The pub, on Lancaster Road, dates back to the 1850s and is a grade-II listed building.

In 2017, Star Pubs – owned by Heineken – funded a £250,000 renovation of the pub which was described as a ‘transformation’. Landlord Paul Butcher has been managing the pub since that time up until his exit plan was confirmed at the weekend.

It is understood that Star Pubs hopes for a new landlord to take on the pub in the future and for it to resume trading.

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