Popular Wetherspoons pub set to close as manager makes shock Facebook announcement

Ben Leese, manager of the Gate House on Priory Walk, High Street, Doncaster, turned to Facebook yesterday to announce the ‘permanent closure’ of the venue.

He said: “It’s with great sadness I announce the permanent closure of The Gate House. I won’t go into details as there will be a press release in the next few days explaining the reasons behind the decision, however I want to take the time to thank all my staff and customers that I have here on Facebook for making it such an enjoyable place to work and run.

“To all my staff, thank you for all your hard work. It may be the end of the pub but not the end of the journey. See you all on the next journey.

“All staff are being relocated to new pubs and no jobs will be lost.”

Customers have expressed their shock at the closure, with Ben’s announcement attracting over 1,000 comments.

Posting on Facebook, Amanda Holder said: “Some good times in here and some great memories. I can’t believe it’s closing for good.”

Adam Traves described the closure as the ‘end of an era’.

Mark Dando added: “Had some great times there mate with good people.”

Sammy Elizabeth Hartley said: “Had some great times in there with my husband, family and friends.”

Mia Wood said she was ‘absolutely devastated’ at the news.

The Red Lion Hotel in Market Place, Doncaster, is also owned by the Weterspoons chain.

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