THE owner of a town centre micro-pub has expressed her 'heartbreak' after announcing the business will close later this year.

Karina Macri, 36, who opened 'The Pub' in Wellington High Street in 2021, has revealed the business will close its doors for the final time on the date of its third anniversary, on May 27.

Announcing the news on social media Ms Macri said she had been forced to walk away from The Pub after racking up £50,000 in debt, dubbing it 'no longer sustainable.' She said:

"For nearly three years I’ve tried to provide a non-discriminatory safe hub for all. One that doesn’t condone drugs or lude behaviour, an environment where you can offload, cry, and be yourselves. I’ve put everything into the pub, and what do I have to show? £50k in debt and a broken soul.

"I’ve been rinsed from everything I am, and I now need to walk away. The business is no longer sustainable. It’s true what they say, if you don’t shop where you love, it’ll die. And I no longer have it in me to save The Pub. It’s such a beauty of a place for the right person, but I don’t have the energy of money to expand or fix it.

"Supermarkets kill independent businesses and ‘Spoons kills independent pubs - it’s the story across the country but I gave it a real go, I tried my absolute hardest to bring you something different."

Bidding farewell to the business Ms Macri thanked her patrons for their custom over the years. She said: "With a very heavy heart I announce that as of May 27th, the third year anniversary, I’ll be closing the pub. If not before.

"So enjoy it while it’s there. I love you immensely, thank you to those who have stuck by me and supported me through all the hard times, I will miss you, and The Pub for the rest of my life."

Ms Macri, who has lived locally for more than a decade, opened The Pub after taking over a vacant shop left by the departure of Warrens Bakery from the town. The publican, who had previously worked as the manager at the Plough Inn in Taunton, told the Wellington Weekly at the time that her aim was to create a venue for 'good old fashioned conversation.' She said:

"A microbar provides a memorable and unique experience to its customers and replaces larger pub entertainments such as juke boxes, fruit machines and sports entertainment with quality locally sourced products, friendly service and a venue to foster good old-fashioned social conversation.”

News of the closure was met with an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with one customer commenting:

"I am really saddened to hear this. What you created there was something really special. We live six miles out of Welly so have not been able to be in a lot but my daughter chose it as the place to go on her 18th birthday and we had a wonderful night playing boardgames and drinking cocktails. We made memories.

"If I lived in Welly it would be my local. I am really gutted to see you go but recognise you have to put your health and your family first. But be proud of what you have created with The Pub. It is an inclusive, friendly and welcoming environment that has an amazing vibe around it."

Another added: "I am so sorry to hear this. I know what it means to run your own business and how much it demands of you. You have created a lot of wonderful memories for a lot of people, something you should feel immensely proud of. Take care and see you soon."

Pubs across the country are struggling to weather a tough climate, with rising prices across the board chief among a number of reasons more revellers are choosing to stay at home.

News of The Pub's closure came just days before the MP for Bridgewater and West Somerset called on the government to intervene to save pubs in rural areas. Commenting, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger said:

“Community shops are being run successfully all over the country and with the right kind of support I see no reason why community pubs should not work equally well.

"If we can offer things such as business rates holidays or reductions to get community pub projects off the ground then we should be doing so because the benefits of keeping these places going extend far beyond merely providing a service for people who enjoy a pint.”