News / Pubs

Landlords blame pubco’s ‘lack of support’ as they leave after seven years

By Karen Johnson  Tuesday Aug 27, 2024

The landlords of a south Bristol pub are holding a series of farewell events before they call last orders for the final time.

Klara Gelleta-Campbell and Euan Campbell have been at the Shakespeare in Totterdown for almost seven years, with Klara pregnant with twins when they first got the keys.

But they have blamed the lack of support from giant pubco Stonegate for the decision to leave the ‘Shakey’ on the corner of Henry Street and William Street.

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The pub will host the last of their famous pub quizzes on Tuesday night – photo: Milo Kavanagh

Klara said: “Yes, we are closing down, whether the pub will be reopened by the new publican, it is up to Stonegate.

“The main reasons are rising prices, which makes trading and any profits impossible, but also the lack of any support from our pub company.

“Sad as it is, as we loved our time at Shakey, it became an important part of the local community, we have amazing customers, but sadly, small, family businesses aren’t supported and after a fight and using all available resources and ideas, we decided to call it a day.

“We took it when I was pregnant with twins, now they are starting Year 2, so they cannot imagine not having this place in their life.”

Bristol24/7 has contacted Stonegate for comment.

The Shakespeare is holding a series of closing events – photo: Shakespeare

On Tuesday night, the pub will host their very last pub quiz under its current custodians and say farewell to pub quiz host James, who Klara says knows her business better than her.

The pub will also host a Bonsai Bass event on Friday and a special by DJ Woodstock on Saturday.

Main photo: Milo Kavanagh

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