Bob's pub shuts after 125 years

A grey building with a darker grey roof, it has signs on and is on the street corner Image source, Graham Matthews
Image caption,

The Lord Roberts, known as Bob's, has been a fixture of Scunthorpe life since 1900

  • Published

A landmark pub in Scunthorpe is closing after trading for 125 years.

The Lord Roberts, on Well Street, is affectionately known to locals as Bob's.

On Sunday, a closing party was held, with landlord Graham Matthews admitting he was "tearful" about the closure.

He said: "People haven't got the same [amount] of money anymore, so they don't come out as much. Young ones today don't come out at all."

In 2003, the pub was converted into a disco-bar named Cre8, before turning back into a pub.

Mr Matthews, 68, ran the pub for a few years in the Nineties. In 2015, he returned - joined by his partner.

A man with a white beard wearing glasses, he has a Christmas head band on with miniature Santa's. The picture is a selfie he's taken behind the bar of the pub. Image source, Graham Matthews
Image caption,

Graham Matthews has had two spells as landlord of The Lord Roberts

Prior to the leaving party, he said: "I think we'll have a few cries and there will be a few shots and a few whiskies.

"I would think every public house in the country is struggling. Hospitality is not like what it used to be, we're all struggling now."

An auction was being held to sell the pub's contents, including memorabilia, said Mr Matthews.

The pub is currently listed for sale, and the BBC understands one prospective buyer plans to turn the building into a wedding function and private hire venue.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here, external.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store, external for iPhone and iPad or Google Play, external for Android devices