The much-loved Slug & Lettuce cocktail bar in Newport is to close its doors for the final time this weekend after 8 years, the venue has announced.
The popular bar and restaurant at 23-26 High Street has confirmed that it will be shutting, bringing an end to an 8-year chapter at the town centre venue.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the Slug & Lettuce team thanked customers and the local community for their support over the years.
The venue said it has been “more than just a bar”, describing it as a place where customers have celebrated everything from birthdays and bottomless brunches to first dates and memorable nights out.
The team said:
“After 8 incredible years, we’re closing our doors.
“We’ve shared so many special memories, and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our guests and the local community for your loyalty and support.”
Customers have also been invited to return for one final farewell on Saturday 12th September, with the team calling on friends, regulars and former customers to join them for a final “cheers”.
The announcement marks the end of a significant era for one of Newport’s best-known late-night venues, leaving just Wetherspoons and Hogshead to cater for Newport’s party people.
The site, which sits prominently on Newport High Street, has a history stretching back well before its time as a Slug & Lettuce. According to Stonegate Pub Partners, the building was once a cinema and retains a distinctive character as a result.
Stonegate’s own property listing has now been updated to describe the premises as the “Former Slug & Lettuce – Make It Your Own”, indicating that the site is being made available for a new operator
The company says the premises are being offered as a Fixed Term Tenancy, with a forecast annual turnover of £458,584 and a guide rent of £942 per week.
The listing adds that the venue has enjoyed strong trade throughout the week and has developed a loyal following for its brunches and cocktails.
It is not yet known what will replace the Slug & Lettuce, but Stonegate says the premises represent an opportunity for a new operator to “shape the future” of the established Newport venue.
The Slug & Lettuce team, meanwhile, has used its shock closure announcement to look back on the memories created at the venue and thank those who have supported it.
They concluded their message by simply saying:
“Thank you all.”
Another one sadly bites the dust.
And you were a regular, were you?
Not my type of place. I am picky.
No, Spoons is more you, isn’t it
Just the rent is enough to put anyone off. No wonder the high streets are failing.
Start charging for parking in out of town shopping parks and stop charging in the towns.
Islandwide parking permit charging is the fairest way.
Some numpties have 5 vehicles to an household, some of us
only have 2 vehicles.
So sad if the council parish and county don’t get off there backsides to try and stop all the businesses leaving Newport High Street then the High Street is doomed parking charges to be dropped is a start look at Ryde Union Street a good selection of shops same as Shankiln free parking for a period of time Bembridge offers another good selection of small shops for a village no parking charges
It is regrettable to see this establishment close, as it has long served as a valued venue for our personal and professional gatherings; its departure will be a significant loss.
Sad to see another hole in Newport high street but let’s face it the S&L concept was already very tired before it reached the island. Spoons have the cheap, casual food and drinks option sewn up!
Soon there will only be Spoons left.
Yet another hospitality venue bites the dust as a result of never here Kier and Rachel from accounts taxing policies. Here is a photo opportunity for Wrigerly Quigerly to show how great Labour really are. Bet he won’t be seen within 100 miles of this place. General election now Liebor out before it is to late.
Stonegate group are in a lot of financial trouble. They have just sold 10 pubs to the Fullers pub group & closing many others in a bid to survive
Another place gone.
I hear the cost of running that place was ridiculas.
Newport is finished.
It’s a dead end Town now.