Leicestershire Bar Owner “Gutted” as Dream Venue Closes Due to Lease Expiry

A bar proprietor in Leicestershire has expressed her profound disappointment as she makes preparations for the permanent closure of her establishment. Charlie Donovan, who has operated Charlie’s Bar in Melton Mowbray since October 2021, is scheduled to cease operations on New Year’s Day, coinciding with the expiration of her operating license for the King Street premises. The building’s lease, initially held by a private company that then sublet it to Ms Donovan, has reverted to its owner, Melton Borough Council. The council intends to sell the property, citing the need for “significant investment” to elevate it to a “lettable standard.” Ms Donovan, aged 34, stated: “I feel very gutted, I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet [the closure], but I think it’s definitely on the way to devastation.” She further elaborated: “This bar was my dream, I started off as a bartender for the previous tenants, it then changed to another bar where I became manager, then I got the chance to run it myself.” Ms Donovan had been subleasing the premises from a private entity that possessed the primary lease; however, this firm notified the council in August of its intention to terminate the lease agreement. Subsequently, Melton Borough Council sanctioned the sale of the building during a cabinet meeting held on 11 December. Ms Donovan indicated that she contacted the council regarding the possibility of assuming the lease, but asserts that communication diminished, and she was “blindsided” by a report advocating for the authority to sell the Grade II listed property. A spokesperson for the council commented that the authority required assurance that any prospective leaseholder would be capable of “maintain and repair” a structure possessing such “historic value.” Patrons expressed sorrow regarding the impending closure. Suzie Broughton characterized Charlie’s Bar as unique, stating: “It’s probably the most dog-friendly bar in town. You come in, and the dogs are probably more welcome than people. It’s a lovely and safe place for everybody.” Hazel Paterson, a 47-year-old frequent visitor, noted that Melton’s night-time economy had been experiencing difficulties. She added: “This bar became the one safe place that I felt able to go to, and it’s a safe place for all members of the community, there’s a huge LGBT community that comes here.” James Matthews, a Melton resident, conveyed that he was “gutted” by the news of Charlie’s Bar’s impending closure. He further remarked: “It’s upsetting that the council can’t find a way to support a local business.” A document presented to the council’s cabinet indicated that the annual maintenance cost for the building would amount to £7,000 for taxpayers. The council has resolved to list the building on the open market, though it has not dismissed the possibility of offering the site for auction. Sarah Cox, the cabinet member responsible for corporate finance, property, and resources, stated: “We understand the difficulties [Charlie’s] facing, and it’s the difficulty of her being the licensee, not the leaseholder.” She continued: “But the council is making this decision to protect the taxpayer from carrying the cost of a building that it wouldn’t see the return on.” Cox additionally mentioned that the council would not entertain further lease proposals, and several parties have already shown interest in purchasing the property. Nevertheless, Ms Donovan is not among these interested parties, as she lacks the immediate funds required to acquire the entire property. She has committed to seeking an alternative location, asserting that operating a bar and serving beer constitute “her calling.”