Popular Leeds LGBTQ+ pub could stay open under new management
Fears were raised over an “end of an era” for the city’s night-time scene after The Bridge said it had been hit by rising costs.
A popular Leeds LGBTQ+ pub looks set to remain open as its owners seek new management for the premises.
Fears were raised over an “end of an era” for the city’s night-time scene after The Bridge said it had been hit by rising costs.
A message to customers, posted on Facebook last week, said: “Due to circumstances very much beyond our control, like others we have seen rising costs cripple many independent businesses.
“There has been blood, sweat and tears put into the Bridge as you see it now.”
Star Pubs said a new operator was sought to run the business on Bridge End in Leeds city centre.
Area manager Jay Weir said: “The plan is, 100 per cent, to find a new operator. The search has begun.”
Last week’s announcement on social media was met with messages of support from long-standing customers.
One posted: “End of an era if the doors are closing for good.”
Mr Weir said he hoped to avoid having to shut the Bridge while a new manager was found.
Speaking after a Civic Hall licensing hearing on a separate Star Pubs venue, he said: “We’ll have it back open and part of the scene as soon as possible.”