Closed pub could be set to reopen

The Woolpack pub.

SAM WILLIAMS
11 February 2009 07:00



Fresh hope has emerged for drinkers at a popular city pub which closed without warning at the start of the year.

The Woolpack Inn, on Golden Ball Street in the city centre, shut suddenly in January with the loss of about 10 jobs when the Norwich Pub Company, which ran the premises, went into administration.

But today the firm's liquidators have confirmed plans to return the pub to its former landlord to allow it to reopen as soon as possible.

Solicitors at law firm Tenon Recovery, who were appointed liquidators, said the closure was the result of debts which built up after a fall in custom due to the recession.

A statement from joint liquidators Sandy Kinninmonth and Ian Cadlock of Tenon Recovery, who were appointed after the firm was placed into Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation on January 16, said: “The director of the Norwich Pub Company had no option but to take this course of action, despite the pub undergoing an interior refurbishment during 2008 in an attempt to attract more customers and increase sales following the current economic downturn, which has resulted in many public houses and bars suffering from the ever increasing rises in taxes on alcohol and the public tightening their spending.

“The joint liquidators are looking to return the premises to the landlord as soon as possible to enable the pub to be opened to the public to continue trading.”

The Woolpack was opened in 1938 by Morgan's Brewery, replacing an earlier pub on the site which was demolished.

In recent years the pub was bought by pub firm Spirit Group, now owned by Punch Taverns.

After passing through a string of different owners it since reverted back to Spirit Group, which leased the pub to the Norwich Pub Company.

A spokeswoman for Spirit Group said: “Matters are in the hands of the liquidators so we are unable to comment further.”

The pub is also home to five historic plaques by artist John Moray-Smith, depicting scenes of the medieval wool trade, from which the pub gets its name.

The Spirit Group has already said the works would be kept safe.

Norwich pub historian Derek McDonald welcomed the news of the possible reopening, adding: “This is jolly good news for anyone who cares about the future of pubs in the city.”

Do you have a news story about your local pub? Call Evening News reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk

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