Pub closes less than a year after opening

Signs on the mesh covering doorways say the premises has been secured and valuables removed Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Bishops of Chapel Street opened up in the former Lattice House, in King's Lynn, last May.

Today its doors are closed off with wire mesh, while signs say valuables have been removed by security firm Secure Empty Property.

Its owners said they were disappointed it had failed to gain enough support from the community and were now working to secure its future as a pub.

A door secured with mesh at Bishop's of Chapel Street in King's Lynn Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Lynn-based specialist food supplier K's Market revealed the closure on social media.

'Sincere apologies, but Bishops of Lynn have ceased operations this morning,' it said. 'Therefore the gluten free and beyond evening has had to be cancelled.

'I have been assured that all payments made will be returned from tomorrow. Please collect your monies from K's Market from tomorrow afternoon. What a shame.'

A plaque on the wall records the building's history as the Lattice House Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

The pub was opened by chef Geoff Jones in May. Parts of the building have been used as a pub since 1714, while it had most recently been occupied by chain JD Wetherspoon.

A spokesman for Hawthorn Leisure, which owns the building, said: 'We always work closely with our partners to help them run successful, sustainable businesses, and our experienced support team has done all it can to help Mr Jones' venture succeed.

'It is very disappointing, therefore, that Bishops of Chapel Street has failed to gain enough support from the local community to make it a viable, ongoing operation, and we're now exploring ways to secure the future of the pub.'

Bishop's of Chapel Street, in King's Lynn, which has ceased trading Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Mr Jones could not be contacted. Bishops website says: 'Geoff Jones, our owner and chef. Has over 30 years' experience in the hospitality trade, running two highly successful pubs in southern Ireland and Berkshire.

'With his expertise and energy, he has brought a new lease of life into this building. Bishops of Chapel Street aims to offer gastro pub dining with a traditional style of customer service, making any newcomer feel a warm welcome.

'As a chef that has won countless award in the field and who has also featured on reality TV on Channel 4, he is best placed to offer a dynamic menu with twists on classic pub foods, locally sourced ingredients and freshly prepared to order.'