A popular real ale pub at the bottom of Derby Road is having to consider closing its doors due to the ongoing renovation work being carried out on the nearby properties. Work started above the Mist Rolling Inn back in February and has rendered the pub almost invisible to passing trade.
With its prime location on a busy and wide pedestrian street, the small outside seating area is an ideal spot to sit in the sun, when we get some, and enjoy a fine ale from their rotating selection of beers. However, it’s hardly an attractive proposition now to sit beneath scaffolding and with the accompanying noise and dust of building work.
Owner Dave Hawyes told the Nottingham CAMRA branch that “I have lost about 75% of my trade over the period that this work has been underway”. Dave added, “I started here as Manager in April 2023 and then became owner in October 2023 and I’ve worked very hard to build a regular clientele, hosting various events throughout the week, including live music and open mic nights, offering special ale deals, including CAMRA discount, and generally doing what any good landlord will do to encourage custom. However, this current situation is having such a commercial impact that it is making the place financial unviable. In this trade even a temporary closure could mean that my regulars move on to another venue and then may not all return if I re-open. I’m looking into the process for claiming compensation, but this will just involve me spending a lot of time and incurring additional costs. The company responsible for the work, Places for People, have not been supportive at all, and I’m sure that if I do start legal action, there will be a lot of delays before I see any reimbursement and unfortunately by that stage it may be too late. Unfortunately, I’m seriously considering closing for good.”
So, our message to all Nottingham CAMRA Members is please try and visit this pub and enjoy a pint or two to help out, in case the next time you’re in that area, the pub may not be there! Remember, “Use it or Lose it!
As well as giving your custom, you can also offer direct financial support through a Just Giving Crowdfunding site. Please click on the link below for full details:
