City bar to shut to focus on new site, says owner

Neil Treliving said he wanted to focus on the new Blind Tiger site in Ham Lane near Ferry Meadows

A bar that aimed to bring cafe culture to a city centre will close its doors next month after five years.

Blind Tiger Taproom on Cowgate, Peterborough, will permanently shut after its owner said he wanted to focus on his business in Ham Lane on the edge of the city.

The company opened its second site over the summer, which included a restaurant and a leisure space, and has been awaiting planning approval to build a mini golf course and escape room on the site's upper floor.

Owner Neil Treliving said the Cowgate bar had "achieved a lot" but was no longer sustainable to operate alongside the larger new venue.

"It is just too much for us to handle two sites really," he said.

"We are happy with what we've done here in Cowgate, but it is not something we can sustain and do a second site at the same."

He said the new site allowed more space to "spread our wings".

The Blind Tiger bar in Cowgate is shutting its doors in December after five years

Previously, Mr Treliving called for more investment to regenerate the city centre.

He said the area had many issues as it was the "gateway to the city and it has been forgotten about".

He also called for the area around Cowgate to be pedestrianised and was keen to introduce cafe culture.

However, he now thinks the city is not ready for it yet.

"I think it's just going to take a long time for Peterborough to, you know, get to that level," Mr Treliving said.

"That didn't influence our decision though. I love Peterborough, I love the town centre."

Councillor Mohammed Farooq, the independent deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: "We are actively working with partners to help enhance the city centre, including bringing in investment and helping to ensure that the area remains a vibrant and welcoming place for residents, shoppers and visitors alike.

"Peterborough is one of the fastest growing cities in the country with major growth projects such as the Station Quarter in the pipeline which will ensure a bright future."

He also highlighted the council's recently-launched tourist board and tourism website.