Mystery surrounds Rileys future, Castle Green pub closes (From This is The West Country)

Mystery surrounds Rileys future, Castle Green pub closes

5:07pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News By Daniel Milligan

MYSTERY surrounds the future of a former sports bar in Taunton . . . while another town centre venue closed its doors this week.

The former Rileys bar in Kingston Road went under the hammer last month, but auctioneers Clive Emson have remained tight-lipped over the mystery buyer.

The two-storey building, which has a car park and yard, had a guide price of £125,000 to £150,000.

The sports bar closed last November, leaving several snooker, pool and darts teams in the town without a home.

Most of the teams found new venues across Taunton to play their league matches, and bosses at neighbouring St Andrew’s Social Club said rumours over Rileys’ future were rife.

A spokesman said:“Lots of people are talking about when it’ll re-open and who’s taken it over – but we don't know for sure.”

Some of the businesses along Kingston Road have also done their own investigate work to find out who the buyers were, but to no avail.

* THE Castle Green pub closed on Monday as it prepares to be taken over by Spirit Pub Company.

The firm, which has around 800 venues across the country, run chains such as Fayre & Square, Wacky Warehouse, Chef & Brewer and Flaming Grill.

In a message to customers, Carlos Alfaro, the landlord for four years, said: “I wish the new operators every success, and a massive thankyou for all your custom and support.”

Mr Alfaro said he has accepted anoffer as he looks to take on a “new challenge”.

He said: “It’s the right time of year to have a refurb, and the pub needs someTLC and investment, and they wantto do it.”

A Spirit spokesman said: “The pub has temporarily closed, but we’ll try to re-open under new management as soon as possible.

“Meanwhile we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”