The landlord of The York Tavern has spoken about the reasons behind the pub's closure, saying, "I want to see pubs do well, they are the cornerstone of our culture".

Owners of The York Tavern, in Leicester Street, announced the closure of the kitchen on social media on Wednesday (January 25).

Landlord Andrew McNeil, 42, who also runs The Edith Cavell in Tombland, said how it was "getting to be tougher and tougher" and was "a culmination of things leading to it", reporting that the pub underperformed in the last nine months.

With the rising cost of living, it "all came at once and we didn't know where to turn", as prices rose for food, electricity and gas.

"People are far more aware of what they're spending", often going straight to mains or not having so much alcohol.

Mr McNeil took over the pub in October 2019, after it had been closed most of the year.

Norwich Evening News: The York, NR2The York, NR2 (Image: The York Instagram)

Many people had moved on from visiting the pub, which has little passing trade, and Mr McNeil had to build it up from the ground, while being hit with Covid-19 restrictions shortly after. He says this timing contributed to the pub's closure.

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Mr McNeil says how trade has "diluted" and has to be "more spread out" between businesses in the city, as people are going out less, and "have changed their lifestyle habits".

"Support your locals and think about where your choices are. The indies and locals are what make this city work. I've travelled around the world enough to know.

"If I was to choose a place to eat and drink, I would choose here."

The York's manager and chef are moving over to The Edith Cavell, and will see in a new lunch and dinner menu for the pub in February, including roast dinners on Sundays from 12-6pm.

Stonegate Group has put out an advert for a new owner and Mr McNeil looks forward to a pint at the bar once the pub is under a new landlord.