Felpham pub to close — but could reopen next year

The Thatched House was home to lively and successful weekends but after issues with the kitchen were followed closely by the pandemic, it has no longer become viable, the landlord has said.

He assured residents he is not selling the pub but closing for six months with the hope that the pandemic’s effects will wane.

Grant Gainey has a special affinity with the watering hole and said it was his grandfather’s favourite pub and the site of his uncle’s first pint.

He said: “It is disappointing as it is a proper nice pub. We had good staff and we changed it around.

“It was my grandfather’s favourite pub and it was my uncle’s first pint when he was 16.”

The former Londoner added: “I have always holidayed in the area and I have a house in Felpham so we have got a connection.

“I bought it with my uncle in 2017 when it came up for sale and it was going to be converted.

“I hate seeing businesses close and there are plenty closing at the moment.”

The pub’s kitchen had been under renovation, leaving the venue chefless and without food sales when Covid-19 swept across the world.

Grant added: “What has really killed us is the kitchen.

“No work could be done which was a massive blow and time progressed I thought ‘well, maybe if I put a little bit of money into getting the garden sorted.

“We have struggled to survive on a maximum capacity and we make our sales thrive on a weekend, on a Friday and Saturday. The other days are loss leaders.