From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Elli Hodgson, 6 April 2024.

The Gatehouse in Tonbridge High Street closes after going into administration.

A high street pub has gone into administration after the firm behind it struggled to make a profit.

The Gatehouse in Tonbridge High Street had sold craft beer, pizza and cocktails in the heart of the town, however on March 28, Redcat Leased Pubs Limited (RCLP) released a statement announcing the closure of five of its sites.

In a statement released by the administrators, it said the business had been “impacted by the wider challenges facing the pub sector” and listed Covid-related lockdowns, changing consumer habits and the cost-of-living crisis as factors.

“Joint administrators were appointed after the loss-making business was unable to meet its financial obligations,” the statement added.

Some people took to social media to share their shock at the closure with many saying the pub was “always busy”.

Underneath a photo of the boarded-up and vacant pub, one lady commented: “So sad. I used to go in there with my mum. I loved it in there.”

Another commented: “How is the Gatehouse closing when they get so many people in there?”

A notice outside The Gatehouse apologises to customers for any inconvenience caused.

Others echoed the sentiment, with one person adding: “Such a shame – tried to go for lunch on Thursday and thought it was a temporary closure to prep for the evening. Never had a bad time in the Gatehouse.”

The pub had shared promotional material on its Facebook only days before the closure on March 25, publicising an 80s-themed night.

The four other pubs which have also closed include the "Redback" in Fulham, "Chiltern Taps" in High Wycombe, "Elmbridge Arms" in Weybridge and "Colton Arms," West Kensington. (All outside Kent.)

Nick Holloway, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator of RCLP, said: “RCLP comprises a group of pub sites in prominent locations, predominantly in London and the South East.

“Financial challenges have weighed heavily on the company in recent years which rendered it unable to continue in its current form.

The once loved pub is now boarded up.

“The administration now provides a period in which we can undertake a marketing process to explore a sale of business and assets of the pubs either individually or as a group.

“We expect interest from across the industry. Regrettably, the financial position of the business means that five sites have now closed.”