A town centre music venue has closed its doors this week and the future of another hangs in the balance.
The Hobgoblin in the High Street, Bedford, closed on Monday, just over a year after it reopened. A message on the pub’s Facebook page thanked Bedford for the ‘fun and laughs and all the support’.
Ben Campbell, who was the general manager, said due to the economy it was becoming difficult for the business to survive.
Messages of support were also posted on Facebook following the announcement on Wednesday that the future of Esquires in Greyfriars, Bedford, was uncertain after the lessees Rob and Tracy Butterfield revealed they were leaving. In a statement the pair said they were ‘deeply saddened’ at having to move on and added: ‘Unfortunately the current economic situation and lack of numbers through the door has meant that what we set out to achieve was not sustainable. It is evident from all the kind messages we have received over the last 24 hours that we have made a positive contribution to both the venue and the music scene in Bedford.
‘We sincerely hope that Esquires will remain open and continue to serve the local music scene.’ And staff at the venue – which has been known as Esquires for 22 years – said they will be doing all they can to keep it open.
Manager Danny Amatsah said: “We are trying to steer the ship back on its course.
“Everyone was in shock and disbelief when we found out but it’s a big part of my life and I want to keep it going along with the staff.” He said they had bookings up until January which they were hoping to keep and added that while there was a suggestion the owners would be looking at selling up, there was still the possibility of somebody taking over the lease.
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