A STAR in BBC’s drama series Doctors has been forced to close her iconic pub – dubbed one of the world’s best pit-stops.
The Ned Ludd in Nottingham, owned by actress Amanda Cropper, will shut its doors for good next month – leaving staff “heartbroken”.
The pub, on Friar Lane, Nottingham, will close on March 30[/caption]
Amanda has starred in BBC One’s Doctors[/caption]
General manager Jordan Spencer announced the news on Facebook[/caption]
Punters were equally devastated, with one describing the boozer as the “best bus stop in the world”.
He explained: “My wife and I always called it the ‘best bus stop in the world’ when we would wait for the bus back to Newark!
“I can’t tell you how many buses we missed.”
Fears over a potential closure were sparked last year, when property developers PKL Investments Limited put forward plans to turn the building into offices.
Locals petitioned against the proposal, but it was later accepted by Nottingham City Council – with the closing date set for March 30.
Taking to Facebook, general manager Jordan Spencer said: “Unfortunately all of life’s great things must come to an end.
“We are heartbroken to have to tell you that the 30th of March will be the last day of trading for The Ned Ludd.
“There has been a lot of speculation about when this would be coming but, alas it is sooner rather than later.
“We have absolutely loved serving you all these past seven years, and want to thank you all for the support and the incredible memories we have created.
“There will be a handful of last quizzes to get involved in as well as the party to end all parties which will be announced as soon as possible.
Amanda and her partner Adam will now focus their efforts on a second venue, underground bar Ned’s Cavern, just across the street – which the pair have been running alongside The Ned Ludd since November.
“Ned’s Cavern will be our new home moving forward and we hope to see you all there,” Jordan added.
Support rushed in from adoring fans, with one writing: “What are we going to do now…best Sunday dinner in Notts.”
Another said: “This place has been like a home to me since 2017. The nights, the friends, the food, the craic, always brilliant.”
And a third echoed: “The friendliest staff. The best atmosphere. And easily the best food in Nottingham (especially Sunday dinner).
“The people of Nottingham are losing a fantastic and original place.”
Amanda has previously spoken of her joint career as a publican and actress.
She most recently appeared in the film Haunted Studio, directed by Chris Sanders – after previously starring in BBC One’s Doctors.
Sharing the similarities between the two, she told Nottingham Post: “You have to be quite confident and just go for it, there’s nothing to be scared of.”
The news comes after the iconic, 200-year-old Ye Olde Swiss Cottage in northwest London was also shut down.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The building is set to be turned into offices[/caption]
Amanda Cropper behind the bar at the Ned Ludd[/caption]
