AN iconic pub has closed its doors for the last time leaving punters gutted.
The family-run Walnut Tree Shades in the centre of Norwich that has dates back to the 1850s went out with a bang on Saturday night.
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Known for its live-music, the boozer was hugely popular with locals.
In a post on Facebook the pub wrote: “It’s our last week of the Walnut Treee Shades pub being what we know and love for many many years we are all very gutted.
“So come down, enjoy the pub as we know and enjoy a drink!”
The pub went all out on Saturday night to say goodbye with punters turning up in fancy dress to enjoy a last night of live music and pints before it closed for good.
The landlord and landlady behind the pub have confirmed that they are moving to another local pub in April.
“We hope to see all your lovely faces there, we will still be having bands, private functions and more!” they said on Facebook.
But, “the Walnut Tree Shades going forward won’t be how we know it and love it,” they added as they thanked musicians and customers for their support.
The Walnut Tree Shades landlords said that the pub is being converted into a sports bar, but according to a spokesperson from the Stonegate Pub Company that owns the boozer this is incorrect.
“The decision of what will happen next to the pub has not been made and we are currently looking to recruit a new publican on a temporary basis until the decision has been made on what the pub will be next,” a spokesperson said.
“We’re anticipating this decision to be made by the end of next week.”
The company decided to re brand the pub and moved the current landlords to The Reindeer in Dereham Road, another venue known for its music.
The current landlord, Louise Wilding announced that she would be leaving The Reindeer by the end of the month.
But even though the people behind the Walnut Tree Shades are moving, locals and employees are gutted.
Yasmin Clouting who worked for the boozer told Evening News: “The locals here are devastated.
“We have bands here every week and they bring in a good crowd.
“We’ve had to move all of these booked-in performances to the new site.”
On Facebook, locals shared their misery with one saying: “Such a shame. It’s an iconic city music pub.
“I’ve been playing there with various bands since the 1980s and it was a regular music spot long before that. Sad times.”
“What a let down for all the people that have ran the place, been to see bands & played The Walnut since the 1960’s. Tragic,” another said.
Others called it “one of the best”.
It is not the only historic pub to shut its doors this week with one in West Yorkshire dating back to 1610 closing down for good.
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