Leicestershire pub in 2025 Good Beer Guide announces shock closure

A Leicestershire pub has announced its closure just weeks after being featured in the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide 2025. The Tap and Barrel on Leicester Road, Wigston, will close its doors for good next year, its owners have confirmed.

The announcement comes just a year after the pub's top floor, which houses the upstairs drinking area and toilets, was saved from being converted into flats by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. Owners Rob and Lou shared the news on social media on Wednesday (November 6).

The closure announcement follows the pub's October inclusion in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2025. The pub will continue trading until January next year, reports the Hinckley Free Press.

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"It's with a heavy heart that we have to announce that The Tap and Barrel in its present location will be closing for good in January 2025," the owners' statement read. "We really haven't taken this decision lightly it's going to be a sad day when we hand over the keys.

"I don't want to bore you with too much detail on here so we won't waffle on about it, but we have a couple of months to enjoy some great beers and to celebrate eight years of friendship and support," they added.

Customers have reacted with sadness to the news. Regular punter Graham Whatley said: "Rubbish news. There might be plenty of pubs in the area, but not that are as friendly or comfortable and dog-friendly as the Tap and Barrel. Great pizza too!"

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