The Wall's Club in Gloucester to close after more than 60 years

The Wall's Club will close next month

A social club has announced that it will be closing its doors after more than 60 years.

The Wall's Club has been part of Gloucester's social scene for six decades, serving Wall's Factory employees and the wider community.

A number of factors have led to the closure, including the pandemic, cost of living crisis and high inflation, it said.

Chairman Wayne Davis added that he was "absolutely devastated".

The social club, based in Barnwood, will close its doors for the final time on 31 March.

'Difficult decision'

In a statement, a spokesperson for the venue said it had become "a Gloucester institution", but that the company now has "no choice" but to enter it into liquidation.

"Since the Covid pandemic we have been working extremely hard as a team for the past two and a half years to try and turn things around," they said.

"We felt like we had turned a significant corner, however, unfortunately it was not quickly enough.

"Due to a combination of the pandemic, a cost of living crisis, high inflation, high interest rates, a building requiring urgent renovation and an extremely difficult hospitality market, we have had no choice but to come to the very difficult decision to enter the company into liquidation."

Apologising to customers who had events planned at the club, the spokesperson said that all bookings were taken in "good faith" and that it would be working with people to help find an alternative venue.

'Loyal customers'

Mr Davis said it was "an extremely sad day" as he expressed his concerns for his "dedicated employees and loyal customers".

"Having been involved with the Wall's Club for 20 years and the chairman for over 10 years, I am absolutely devastated," he said.

"The employees have gone above and beyond to ensure that the business has even managed to survive for the past two and a half years.

"I would like to sincerely thank them for their loyalty and hard work."

A spokesperson for Unilever, who took over the Wall's factory for which the social club was built, extended its thanks to the team at the Wall's Club.

"We're very sad to hear about the closure of the Wall's Club which has been at the heart of the community for many years," they said.

"Whilst The Wall's Club has been run by a business independent and separate to Unilever for over 20 years, we have continued to have a close relationship with the Wall's Club and would like to thank the team for the memories, celebrations and events our teams have enjoyed at the club over the years."