The departing publicans had turned around the fortunes of The Abbey
The Abbey, in St Albans Road, Bulwell, will close for the final time under its departing publicans on Sunday, October 4(Image: Google Street View)
A Nottingham pub will close its doors after its current landlords end their four-year stint with one last party.
The Abbey, on St Albans Road, Bulwell, will close for the final time under its departing publicans on Sunday, October 4.
Managers Ryan and Courtney said in November last year that then chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget and a desire to spend time with their families meant they would step away from the Punch Pubs-owned boozer.
The pair took over the watering hole in April 2022 – when it was known as the Newstead Abbey – and turned it from “a struggling pub on the verge of permanent closure” to “the family-friendly community-driven local it is today”.
Regulars have been invited to closing events in the lead up to Sunday, with farewell celebrations including multiple music acts and closing weekend deals on drinks.
Announcing their departure in 2025, well-respected management duo Ryan and Courtney had hailed their time at the pub as “incredible”.
“We want to be absolutely clear, this is entirely our decision, made for the right reasons,” the pair said at the time.
“Thank you to every single person who’s supported us – whether you’ve popped in for a pint, brought your family for dinner, played in our pool teams, or just cheered us on along the way.
“You’ve helped make The Abbey what it is today. We’ll make sure we finish on a high.”
Punch Pubs are currently looking for a new publican to take on managing The Abbey.
The pub chain’s website explained the venue is currently available on a Tenancy at Will agreement, a short-term arrangement which can be terminated by the owner or tenant at any time.
“The Abbey is a well-known community pub in Bulwell, Nottingham, offering a strong drinks focused business built around live sport, entertainment and community activity,” Punch told prospective operators.
“Sport sits at the heart of the offer, with multiple screens throughout the venue and a loyal customer base that regularly gathers to watch major sporting events.”
The national pub operator added The Abbey would “suit an energetic, hands-on publican who enjoys creating a lively atmosphere and being at the centre of local life”.
The Abbey was built in the 1880s as a late Victorian former Shipstone’s house with “an unusual layout for Nottingham,” according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
