Changes at Stornoway pubs 18/11/12
at It is all change at a number of Stornoway licensed premises with one pub shut
and another under threat while two hotels will come under new management.
The well known Clachan Bar has closed, understood to be due to a background of reduced
trading and financial issues.
A similar situation exists at the British Legion club in the town which gained a
short reprieve and will now remain open until after the New Year. Initially it was
expected it would cease business on 9 December. The club has not considered relocating
to smaller premises.
The Lewis branch of the British Legion would continue to operate. It is holding an
emergency meeting to discuss the “future of the branch and club” on November 22.
Meanwhile, the Caledonian Hotel will continue to trade, though under new management,
after present operator Allan Macaskill leaves in January. Owner Punch Taverns is
said to be in talks with two separate parties interested in taking it over.
Live music has returned to the adjacent Crown Hotel, also owned by Punch, after it
was taken on by Stuart Whisker after the semi retiral of long running landlord Effie
Macleod two weeks ago. Ms Macleod continues to be licensee of the Criterion Bar.
The Crown public bar, is now open late into the Sunday morning, presenting fresh
competition for both the neighbouring Era nightclub and the Lewis Bar.
In recent years, the Royal Hotel, Cabarfeidh Hotel, Caladh Inn and County Hotel closed
their public bars and focused mainly on food due to local lifestyle changes and competition
from cheaper priced supermarket alcohol.
The licensed trade is experiencing tough trading conditions due to a number of factors
including job cuts and reduced spending in the depressed local economy while more
people are staying at home.
As in the wider island business sector, the fall in the island’s population means
a smaller customer base while a higher percentage of youth are in college or university
on the mainland.
The smoking ban is also thought to have an effect.