The Lord Roberts pub, commonly referred to as Bob’s, is closing after 125 years of service in Scunthorpe. Located on Well Street, the establishment has been a significant part of the community since its opening in 1900. A closing party took place recently, where landlord Graham Matthews expressed his emotional response to the closure.
Matthews, who has been involved with the pub in two separate tenures, noted that changing economic circumstances have led to decreased patronage. He pointed out that people today have less disposable income, affecting their willingness to go out, particularly among younger generations. The Lord Roberts experienced a brief transformation into a disco-bar named Cre8 in 2003 before returning to its pub format.
In 2015, Matthews resumed his role as landlord, this time accompanied by his partner. Facing the pub industry’s broader challenges, he suggested that many establishments across the country are experiencing similar difficulties. As part of the closing process, an auction was organized for the sale of the pub’s contents, which included various memorabilia.
Currently, the property is on the market, and there are indications that it may be repurposed into a wedding function and private hire venue by a prospective buyer. The closure of the Lord Roberts reflects a significant change in the local hospitality landscape and raises questions about the future of similar establishments in the area.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9rjxj9840o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss