Major pub owner with 4,800 boozers closes much-loved chain with blunt goodbye message
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A MAJOR pub owner that operates 4,800 boozers has closed one of its much loved chains with a blunt goodbye message. Bear and Bells in Beccles, Suffolk, announced on its website that it had shut, with owner the Stonegate Group saying it was looking to recruit a new publican to run the site.
![[The Bear & Bells pub in Beccles.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bear-bells-beccles-stonegate-pub-963863482.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Located in the heart of the market town, the tavern was much loved by residents before its closure. A statement on Bear and Bells' website says: "We are now closed. "Thank you for your custom and hopefully see you again in the future.". Reviews of the pub on Google Maps spoke highly of the venue, with many praising the tavern's food options.
![[Bartender pouring beer from tap.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/j04m98-barman-hand-beer-tap-893380923.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
One reviewer said: "I could not fault anything, literally nothing. "I urge you to visit this place.". Another added: "Really good food - [the] hospitality is just outstanding. "Such a lovely pub.". The venue is owned by the Stonegate Group, Britain's largest pub company.
Stonegate owns 4,432 sites across the UK under the Slug & Lettuce, Be at One, Sports Bar & Grill brands and 350 traditional style pubs under its "Proper pubs" banner. A spokesman for Stonegate Group said: "The Bear and Bells is currently looking to recruit a new publican to run the popular pub.
"Situated at the heart of the Beccles community, we know how important the pub is to the local area, so we are working hard behind the scenes to recruit the right publican to serve the Beccles community for years to come. "Those who are interested in this role can apply through the Stonegate Group Pub Partners' website.".
