Two Shrewsbury bars to shut permanently amid industry pressures, owner confirms

Two Shrewsbury venues are set to close their doors for good amid what the owner has called a “troubling time” for hospitality.

Sam Taylor, owner of The Libertine and House of the Rising Sun, said the two venues on Butcher Row in Shrewsbury will soon close for good.

Mr Taylor opened cocktail bar, The Libertine, in 2011. After two years of success, he opened House of the Rising Sun, a world street food and cocktail bar in 2013.

In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, he said the decision followed the loss of his business partner and mounting pressures facing the industry.

“Unfortunately, so much of the fun and joy that once came with running bars and restaurants has been lost,” he said.

“Hospitality is in a troubling time, and I can’t see anything being done to support it in the coming years.

“Despite that, I truly loved these businesses and will miss them very much.”

Mr Taylor said both venues would remain open for now to allow people to visit “one last time”.

“’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all,” he added. “Thank you for everything.”