Bar closes permanently after 'incredible journey'

A bar which welcomed the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) community has closed its doors for good.

Proud Bar, in Weston-super-Mare, opened in 2018 and has since hosted hundreds of inclusive events - including a weekly disco for people with learning disabilities.

Nigel Briers, one of the directors of the community interest company behind the venue, said he made the difficult decision to close because people are spending less money on nights out, and due to poor health.

He said running the bar had been an "incredible journey" and called on people to support similar venues.

"It was the only LGBT+ venue in Weston and it attracted not only the local community but people from Somerset and the wider UK – [we had] people coming in from Birmingham and Cardiff," Mr Briers said.

"It was a safe place."

Mr Briers said difficult trading conditions meant Proud Bar was no longer financially viable.

"I'm really sad that we had to shut the doors," he said. "Last year was very difficult."

He said people "really need to reflect on where they're going for their pints" and called on the public to support local businesses.

"I'm hearing all the time that LGBT+ venues in particular are struggling," he said.

"If people want to keep these safe places, they need to support them."

Mr Briers is awaiting a hip replacement operation. He said long hours running Proud Bar took a toll on his health, but he had no regrets.

He said: "I have had the time of my life. It has been an incredible journey – I think Weston has kept me alive.

"It's been an incredible journey," he added, saying he wanted to thank all the staff and customers who have worked at the venue or visited it down the years.

"We have some fabulous memories and the venue has supported many.

"It's now time for change and I'm sure someone locally will take this opportunity to continue to fly the flag in Weston-super-Mare."