Shock as The Bear and Barley Mow in Bedford suddenly close

Two of Bedford’s most loved pubs – The Bear and the Barley Mow – have suddenly shut their doors.

Staff were told by Admiral Taverns which also owns the Five Bells in Cople and The Plough in Newport Pagnell.

It’s not known how long the two Bedford pubs will stay closed but staff are said to be gutted.

A spokesperson at Admiral Taverns, said: “At Admiral we take great pride in running sustainable pubs and we oversee more than 1,600 across England, Scotland and Wales.

"The Barley Mow and The Bear are run by the same licensee, one of our multiple operators who heads up all three businesses.

"After careful consideration and discussions with the tenant, we have come to a mutual decision that it would be best for him to leave the businesses.

"We are currently in the process of looking for new licensees to take over the Barley Mow and The Bear to ensure these pubs have a successful future within the community and anyone interested should please get in touch on 01244 321171.”

On the Five Bells Facebook page, it said: “It is with very heavy hearts that we have to announce the closure of The Five Bells under our watch.

“We would like to thank all our wonderful customers, performers and of course our fantastic team of staff for being with us during our tenure.

“We are sure that this is not the end of the road for The Five Bells but we do not know what the pub company has decided to do next, however, our time as caretakers of this beautiful public house is sadly at an end and we will not be reopening again.”