A popular pub located east of Norwich which has been credited with bringing the local community together has closed its doors for unspecified reasons.
The Bell, which is located on Lower Street in Salhouse, shut its doors last month, it was confirmed. The closure - which came a year after the new landlords took over the premises - is not the first time that it has closed in recent years, but this time the decision to cease trading has come as a shock to the local community.
Small business owners and pub licensees should always ensure they have taken out pub and bar insurance in order to cover them against whatever may take place in the future.
Member of Salhouse Parish Council, Colin McCormick, told EDP 24 that he visited The Bell at least once a week and that it allowed all local people to come together and socialise. “We miss it as a social hub. I know it was quite often used by ramblers and walkers who come to this area, as they would stop off for a meal and drink there.
“It was well used and an important community pub. We were warned the pub would be closing with a week’s notice. I think the pub brought people together. We don’t know what’s happening with it. I hope it will reopen sooner rather than later," said Mr McCormick. He added that the previous closure of the pub, which was one of at least three instances in the last five years, had lasted around six weeks.
Two years ago, The Bell was awarded the status of a 'community asset,' by Broadland District Council as part of a bid by the local community to ensure that the pub remained open. This status meant that, if the pub was put up for sale, local groups would be given the chance to raise money with which to purchase it and keep it as an asset for the community to enjoy.
The Bell, which is owned by Enterprise Inns, which is based in the West Midland, leases more than 5,000 properties to pub landlords located across the country.
This newspaper is awaiting a comment from Enterprise Inns.
