A once-popular Leeds pub will close this weekend due to rising prices and a drop in regulars.
The Highland, between Burley Road and Kirkstall Road, has decades of history and was a favoured haunt of students, real ale fans, as well as staff from nearby businesses including British Telecom and Yorkshire Post newspapers, formerly in Wellington Street, which was a short walk away.
Sadly, the last orders will be called this weekend as the pub is no longer 'sustainable' due to rising prices, according to pub manager Simon Pierce. He explained the situation in a post on social media.
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Simon said: "Unfortunately, although we may be surrounded by student accommodation, after numerous attempts to try and coax them in not enough have been. Plus, obviously, during the holidays we have no students. It is with a heavy heart that due to five price increases by the various breweries in the last six months, together with utility bills et al it has now become unsustainable to keep operating.
"It's always sad when a venue like ours is forced to close. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers." He urged people to pop to the pub on Saturday "for a blast of a send-off."
Punters have expressed their sadness at the pub's closure. One said: "It used to be a regular haunt for us when I worked for BT at Telecom House. Sad news that it's going." Another wrote: "Many a happy hour spent swilling ale in there! What a shame."
One ex-customer said: "Used to nip in there in the early 70s when I went night school at Park Lane College Of Further Education. Lively old-school pub. Sad Loss." The Highland is hosting a closing party on Saturday, April 29 with drinks and food. And on Sunday customers can pop along to finish whatever drinks are left.
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