AN AWARD-winning pub in Abergele is to close next week after facing financial difficulties.

The George & Dragon, on Market Street, will shut its doors on Monday (January 30).

It follows landlord Lee Murphy, who has owned the pub for nearly 11 years, deciding not to renew its contract with Star Pubs & Bars.

The financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, he said, coupled with the cost of living crisis, meant that making a profit was no longer viable.

Though, Lee insisted there is no ill will towards the brewery, and thanked all of the pub’s customers during his time as landlord.

He hopes that this weekend will prove to be a fitting send-off for the pub.

Lee said: “The brewery have been good to me; they looked after me through lockdown. We’ve not fallen out at all, we’ve shook hands and walked away.

“But in the last year, trade just hasn’t been the same, and bills have started to mount up. With the prices of gas and electricity, the pub just isn’t making any money. It’s heart-breaking.

“The electricity bill has doubled to about £3,000 per month, and people are all paying by card now, and I’m charged more for that than I am to put cash in the bank.

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“I just wanted to thank all of our customers in the last 10 years. I’ve got a staff member who’s worked here for just under 40 years, so I’d like to say thank you to him, as well.

“I’d like to invite anyone who maybe doesn’t come out very much, just to have a little goodbye party, before the pub closes on Monday.

“I wish whoever takes over the best of luck. It’s been 10 years of blood, sweat and tears; my daughters have been brought up here.

“This is all we’ve known; I’ve never classed this pub as a job. It’s a lifestyle; it’s a community pub.”

In 2019, The George & Dragon was named the best community pub in the Conwy district, and in 2017, won the gold prize for community pub at the Best Bar None awards.