In another blow to Bridport, a popular town centre pub will also shut its doors this weekend.

The Market House, West Street, will serve its last pint on Sunday – but not before a huge weekend-long send-off.

Co-managers Olly Jarvis and Alice Thomas, who’ve both worked behind the bar for many years, say it just isn’t viable to run as running costs and energy bills soar.

They say it would be impossible to continue to run the pub without dramatically increasing prices to keep up with the rise in costs.

Olly explained: “All good things must come to an end. With the hikes in costs, energy bills going up and the lease due to end it just wouldn’t be viable to carry on.”

The community has reacted to the news with shock and sadness, but the team at the Market House are determined to go out with a bang.

 

Managers Alice Thomas and Olly Jarvis

Co-managers Alice and Olly

“The reaction had been disbelief really,” said Olly. “I hope, for Bridport, they can get someone else to take it on.

“It is sad but we’ve had an amazing time – and we’re throwing one hell of a party to go out on.”

The team at the Market House are proud of the live music acts they’ve hosted over the years, and a selection of firm favourites will play over the weekend.

Kicking off at 4pm on Friday and Saturday, live music will play until 10pm before a DJ takes over until 1am. There will be tapas-style small plates available.

Sunday, the pub’s last day, will serve the traditional carvery – booking is essential.

Olly, whose plans for the future involve training as an engineer, added: “Everyone is welcome to come down and say goodbye. Sunday you must book but the rest is a free-for-all.

“I would like to say a massive, massive ‘thank you’ to our customers past and present – many who have become our friends – it’s been incredible.”

Writing to the Bridport News about the impending closure, Monika and Nick of North Allington said they were sad to see the pub close, stating the business was "another victim of the greedy energy companies".

They added: "Covid didn’t do any harm to the pub, but now other circumstances are forcing the landlord to call it a day. Everyday lunch, take out, or the popular Sunday carvery - nothing anymore.

"I think on behalf of a lot of people, the pub with its good food and the staff will be terribly missed."