Heartbreak as beloved Wigan pub announces sudden closure

Residents have been left 'shocked' and 'saddened' after a beloved Wigan pub has announced it will close.

The Gardeners at Atherton will close its doors in two weeks after a decision by the owners to sell the pub, they said in a Facebook post. The venue, on Lovers' Lane, is known for its home-cooked food and themed nights, including Bonfire and New Years' celebrations.

The news has been met with devastation in the local community, with customers taking to social media to pay tribute to the much-loved venue. In one comment underneath the pub's Facebook post, a customer called it a 'fantastic pub that offers so much more to the locals.'

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"It is with a very sad heart we will be closing in 2 weeks due to the Brewery selling the pub so we will only be open on, Fridays, Saturday and Sunday for the next 2 weeks with no food and everything half price on all spirits," the post read.

"Thank you so much for all of your support during our time here at The Gardeners, it has been fantastic."

Commenters were quick to express their sadness over the closure in the comments. One woman wrote: "So very sorry to read this, we were only saying the other week how trade has picked up again. We will miss our Friday night teas. Nowhere left to go now within walking distance."

Another customer said closures were 'spreading like a virus' in the hospitality industry, adding: "Really sad to read this...times are hard and difficult at the moment for everyone.

"I hope things get better for the industry, it's more than just a pub to so many people."

Other paid tributes to their themed nights and home-cooked food, saying: "Such sad news, we love coming in,