PEOPLE have been sharing their memories of a much-loved city centre bar that is preparing to close for good.
Worcester’s Slug & Lettuce will shut its doors after more than 15 years at The Cross due to “significant challenges facing the hospitality sector”.
A spokesperson for Slug & Lettuce said: “After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, the site is no longer commercially viable, and we have taken the difficult decision to close Slug & Lettuce, Worcester.”
Customers and former staff have been reflecting on the venue’s long history and personal significance.
READ MORE: Restaurant chain with two sites in Worcestershire to close in coming weeks
Worcester News reader, Luke Simons, said: “I met my wife in there and we spoke for the first time just as Beckham was lining up his free kick against Greece (2001?).
“Early morning starts for the 2002 World Cup, including a win against Argentina (Beckham), and the Rugby World Cup final win in 2003. Memories!
“May not have made a difference, but the big England sporting events were incredible in there – not sure why they didn’t carry that on- still a market for it.”
Others recalled formative moments and special occasions spent at the bar.
Ryan Fulcher said: “My first legal drink was at the Slug on my first night out”
READ MORE: Worcester GP surgery returns to high standards 12 months on from damning report
Sara Spencer added: “It was part of my first date with my now husband.
“A girl threw up in a gin glass and it was so memorable it made it into my wedding speech”
Another love story was shared by Jenni Layton, who said: “Met my husband for the first time on the ‘bamboo bus’ that used to pick you up from outside here and transfer you to bamboo (now Hickory’s) on Thursday nights.”
Other readers’ comments reflected the building’s broader role in the community.
Lynsey Claire Crystal Perry said: “We came here to celebrate birthdays, my hen do, such a beautiful building, so sad.”
Stonegate has expressed its gratitude to both staff and customers.
A spokesperson for Slug & Lettuce added: “We would like to thank our hard-working team for their commitment and dedication.
“We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
READ MORE: Final chapter for city restaurant as liquidators appointed
The closure marks the end of a chapter for what many described as a ‘fun’ and welcoming staple of Worcester’s nightlife.
The history of St Nicholas Church
St Nicholas Church has become most notable in today’s age as the home of Slug & Lettuce but its historic roots go far further back.
The distinctive tower of St Nicholas Church and the building were rebuilt in the 1750s and were formally listed as a Grade II property in 1954.
However, its life as a church was short-lived after that, with the site closing in 1989.
It had then served as a home to restaurants and bars before being taken over by Slug & Lettuce in the early 2000s.
