A popular bar in West Bridgford has announced its "impending closure" due to upcoming building work to create new flats above the premises. The Black Pearl on Bridgford Road is known for its cocktails and quirky design.
The decorative bar opened just ahead of the Covid restrictions in February 2020, offering cocktails, pizzas and sharing planks. It was known for the 10ft alligator which once sat on the roof.
Last year, it was announced there would be flats built above the restaurant and bar. The owners of The Black Pearl have said the upcoming building work means it is too uncertain to continue and they had their 15 staff members to consider.
Read more: Popular restaurant and bar to close for good after two years
It is not clear when the building work will start. Black Pearl owners Dan Brown and Drew Hewitt said in a statement: "Unfortunately we will be closing the Black Pearl once the building work begins.
"We had hoped to remain trading but it is major structural work and it's looking rather bleak. We've enjoyed every minute of being here although there is hope we can return once the building works are completed. We are unsure of how long this will take and cannot ask our 15 staff to wait around for an unspecified amount of time.
"We would like to thank other local businesses for being so supportive, taking on members of our wonderful team at such a challenging time for hospitality. Together we have secured offers for almost all of our staff.
"We'd also like to thank the live music artists, local DJs, cleaning team, security and local suppliers who will also be affected by our impending closure and have supported our little business through the rocky road of Covid, insane price rises and summer heatwaves. As we're coming up to what would be our third birthday, it looks like we will be saying goodbye to West Bridgford."
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said: "A planning application was granted on September 26, 2022, for the creation of seven flats on the site, including the erection of a three-storey side extension with the retention of commercial uses at the ground floor. The application also included cladding to the existing side extension, insertion of two dormer windows to principal elevation and associated landscaping works.”
Locals previously voiced concerns about the plans. Planning documents stated that the ground floor would be retained as retail space and the flats would be built above - but this was likely to cause disruption to the businesses below.
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