Former gay bar closes its doors

One of Lincoln's most prominent pubs has closed its doors.

The Horse and Groom pub in Carholme Road has "to let" signs posted outside it along with notes warning customers the site is temporarily closed for business.

Little is known about the closure of a pub motorists stare at every day while waiting at the Carholme Road traffic lights.

It had once been the city's main gay bar until it was turned into a live music venue when it changed hands in 2007.

Now its closure has shone a light once again on the perilous state of small pubs in the city.

One landlord told the Echo he needed to make £250 a day to break even.

Yet on his two busiest days last week – Friday and Saturday – he made just £120 and £220 respectively.

Bramwell Burn, leaseholder of the Crown Inn in Baggholme Road, Lincoln, said some pubs were barely able to stay afloat in current trading conditions.

"We are finding it very difficult," he said.

"People never realise that when the Chancellor reduced VAT, he added it onto beer and fags.

"He has now added the 2.5 per cent on VAT, but hasn't taken it off the beer and fags.

"As well as that, the big chain pubs are putting the little ones out of business."

The Horse and Groom could well be open for business again soon if it is let out..

But for the time-being, the kitchen is closed and a sign has gone up stating "pub business to let".

Enterprise Inns, the owners of the Horse and Groom, declined to comment.