100-year-old UK pub announces closure – ‘heartbroken’
Customers have been left heartbroken as a pub that stood for over 100 years has announced its closure, blaming a " difficult" and "challenging" period.
A beloved English pub is closing after only being taken over by new landlords 10 years ago. The site has been a boozer for 100 years, and the current owners revealed they were "heartbroken" to make the announcement in a post on social media. The Royal and Ancient has been operating in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, since 2016, and was previously known as the Spinner Arms, which opened before the 1930s.
The pub has become particularly popular under its new management, receiving rave reviews from punters online. However, local road closures have made it difficult for the pub to operate as normal, it said in its closure announcement. The pub serves "a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, alongside home-cooked fresh food". Fans of the local haunt have praised the "delicious" food as well as the great atmosphere. The pub will have its final day of business this week, it has revealed.
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"We have decided to leave The Royal and Ancient," pub bosses said in a post on Facebook. "To say we are not ready to leave is an understatement and we are absolutely heartbroken. It’s had to come to this.
"We’ve had plenty of things thrown at us that have been difficult and challenging in this period but the closure of Colne Bridge Road and Leeds Road has had a catastrophic effect on our business.
"The minimal support from all the relevant agencies regarding these road closures has only solidified our decision. The pub trade has always been difficult and challenging to navigate, especially with the recent changes with the government."
The road closures refer to major Transpennine Route Upgrade works, which are set to impact Huddersfield until July.
The statement continues: "We are absolutely devastated for the amazing staff that we employ to lose their jobs because of no fault of theirs.
"We have met so many amazing people in our brilliant time at the pub, but we suppose all good things must come to an end at some point."
Transpenine Route Upgrade says on its website: "We are continuing with major rail upgrades in the Huddersfield area. This involves strengthening work to Huddersfield viaduct and the replacement of several bridges, including the A62 Leeds Road, Colne Bridge Road and several spans on Huddersfield viaduct, to enable new track and overhead line equipment to be installed.
"As a result, several road closures will be in place during the first part of 2026. Please note that the A641 Bradford Road / Northgate, the A62 Leeds Road and Colne Bridge Road will not be closed at the same time during this period."
A spokesperson for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: "We're sorry to hear that the Royal and Ancient has closed — we know it is a valued part of the local community and understand how difficult this period has been for businesses while we and other parties carry out work in the area.
"Closures have been phased to minimise disruption where possible, and align with other works, with advance notice given to residents and businesses and diversions clearly signposted."
We take the impact on local businesses seriously and are open to discussing any concerns directly with those affected.
The pub has revealed that Sunday, May 17 will be its final day of trading. Locals were quick to take to the comments section of the post to share their sadness over the news.
"Fantastic pub, unreal food, had some great times in there with you all. Road closures have a lot to answer for," one person wrote.
Another said: "Oh no, not the Royal & Ancient, you have such a good reputation for proper food served in good portions. We appreciate being able to drop in for a tasty mid-week lunch. I wish you well for the future."
