Worksop: Landlords respond after Rubicon closure

Their comments come in the shadow of the Rubicon Comedy Club closing its doors just three months after opening.

Former Rubicon owner Richard Anthony blamed the public, police and council for not supporting his venture.

He said Worksop was ‘dying’ and would become a ‘ghost town’ if the town did not diversify its leisure and entertainment offering.

We spoke to Landlord Wes Chesters, who has run eight Worksop pubs and now has The Waterside and Rewind on Victoria Square.

“Times have changed and Worksop is changing. Now it’s starting to get better because of the laws and policies we are using as responsible licencees,” said Wes.

“I would encourage anybody to come into Worksop on a weekend and enjoy themselves. We have a zero policy on trouble.”

“The doormen are watching everybody. We have given them the power to refuse entry to people who persistently kick off.”

“It is a pretty safe town compared to other places.”

“We are in Pub Watch which helps us communicate and all the pubs and bars are working together. We also work closely with the police and licencing.”

“If a business is breaking even nowadays they are lucky. But things are on the up. The warm weather has helped.”

Mark Churchill, of the CornerHouse bar inBridge Place, Worksop, said he was sad to see the Rubicon close, as he knew Richard Anthony well.

He said the key to a successful business in the current climate was location and adaptation.

“Our business is doing well and turned a good profit in the last year,” said Mark.

“We are adapting to how the recession has changed the town. We are attracting more daytime customers who hit the high street and want a bit of lunch or a coffee.”

“It’s true that Friday and Saturday nights have dropped off a bit, but it’s not just in Worksop. A lot of people still come to town and enjoy a night out.”