Sadness as Arnold pub closes its doors for last time after 10 years 'with the heaviest of hearts'
A Nottinghamshire pub has closed its doors for the final time after plans to demolish it and build flats in its place were approved. The Friar Tuck, in Arnold, opened in 1958 and has been a favourite of the local community ever since.
But after an application to turn the pub into flats was submitted in August, it was quickly approved and the pub traded for the very last time on Sunday, October 13. The management team announced the news via a statement on Facebook.
It said: "It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we close our doors for good today. Nigel, Lynn and all of our fantastic team would like to thank each and everyone of our customers over the last 10 years. Without you our jobs wouldn’t be worth doing."
"We still have some drinks available if you have the time today then please pop in as all our team will be around to say their farewells (don’t forget the tissues)."
Regulars reacted with sadness to the news online. Denise Campion said: "Had some great nights over the years & lots of memories."
Lynne Woodhouse said: "Very sad times, had some great nights and weekends in my youth at this place before it was opened up into the place it is now. The skyline will change forever and not for the best."
Jay Green said: "From table 40 going to miss watching the football and our Lynn, Nigel and family over your two reigns at the tuck, all the best for the future gonna miss you all x"
And Julie Hunt said: "It's so sad that you're closing. I've enjoyed many times in here, especially last year when I had birthday lunch, the food was lovely. Good luck for the future"
Rumours of the pub's threatened future began to circulate on social media in July, after residents received leaflets through their doors consulting them on the idea to knock down the Friar Tuck. At the time, Greene King said the pub would remain open for the "foreseeable future", while locals were divided in their opinions on the proposals.
David Finch, whose house looks over the pub, said he "wasn't bothered" about the plans, while another unnamed neighbour said they thought flats would be an "eyesore". The plans were confirmed on August 23.
The new development, which will house over-60s, will consist of 36 one-bedroom flats and 15 two-bedroom flats.