Iconic Gloucester rugby pub Teague's Bar set to close next month

ICONIC rugby pub Teague’s Bar could close unless 11th hour investment can be found to save it.

Gloucester legend Mike Teague expects “the end of an era” as his family weighs up the future of the Kingsholm institution.

1. ​

   POPULAR: England supporters at Teague’s Bar celebrating England winning the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

   
   


2. ​
   

   STARS: Mike Teague, right, with World Cup referee Wayne Barnes.

   
   


3. ​
   

   BATTLING ON: Gary Teague has the Teague’s Bar lease.

   
   


4. ​
   

   CHEERS: Rugby legend Will Carling with Mike, left, and Gary Teague.

   
   

Mike’s brother, Gary, holds the lease to Teague’s Bar at The White Hart, in Kingsholm Road.

Mike wants to wind up the Teague’s Bar franchise, while Gary will fight to keep the pub as a going concern, whatever the name.

Gary wants to extend the current lease through owners Punch Taverns. It expires on Sunday, September 8 – the day after Gloucester’s first Premiership match of the season, against Sale Sharks at Kingsholm.

A Ska-themed party on August 25 – the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend – will celebrate Teague’s Bar’s 10-year anniversary. It could now double as a farewell bash.

Gary said: “I understand Mike’s position entirely, but I want to try to keep the pub alive, even if the Teague’s Bar name goes.

“The lease is still up for sale and I would urge anyone interested in investing to get in touch. Really it’s a case of use it or lose it for customers as well.”

Teague’s Bar opened in August 2003, capitalising on the crossover of rugby union’s amateur and professional eras.

But now changing drinking habits, rising running costs, the double-dip recession and professional rugby’s shifting landscape have conspired to change all that.

Gloucester, England and British Lions loose-forward Teague conceded his family might well close the pub with heavy hearts – but looking back on a stellar ten years.

Mike said: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic time and experience, but the whole climate has changed.

“I cannot fault anyone’s position, but rising rates and rent on the lease have also played their part.

“But even the smoking ban had a big effect on day-to-day trade.

“Unless there is an investor or a buyer who will step forward quickly, then the bar will close.”

Kingsholm Supporters Mutual chairman Bob Rumble said the potential loss of Teague’s Bar would be felt across the rugby spectrum.

He said: “It’s been a pleasure working so closely with the Teague family and Teague’s Bar over the years. It would be a sad day for the rugby community and for Gloucester if the bar were to close.”

Iconic Gloucester rugby pub Teague"s Bar set to close next month