Norwich: Frank's Bar in Bedford St closed after lease battle

Frank's Bar, which has been in Bedford Street for almost 15 years, closed on Saturday, January 7 and announced that was permanent on Wednesday.

An initial statement criticised Norwich City Council for "repeatedly" failing to renew their lease, continuing: "Without a lease, we simply could not pursue the option of finding a new owner to keep Frank’s Bar open."

Increasing costs and VAT rates were also cited and co-owner, Ella Williams, has explained that although the cafe-bar had remained busy, the rising price of stock and energy meant their loyal customers were not enough to keep it running.

She said: "The cost of living crisis finished us off.

"We've been hoping to sell the business for the last three years and we were looking to sell it after the pandemic in a slightly better economy.

"Obviously that hasn't materialised.

"We're busy all the time even though the spend is lower these days, people are being more considered.

"We had a great Christmas but it wasn't enough to cover our costs."

Management at Frank's Bar, in Bedford Street, have written an emotional goodbye to customers on the cafe's window after closing (Image: Newsquest)

A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council, which salvaged the Grade II listed building in the 1970s amid the threat of demolition, insisted lease arrangements would not have affected a sale.

She said: “The council supported Frank’s Bar during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued to do so until we learned of its closure.

“We are confident that although a new lease was being negotiated with them, the lease arrangement they had in place would have in no way affected finding a new owner for the business.”

Management at Frank's Bar, in Bedford Street, have written an emotional goodbye to customers on the cafe's window after closing (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Williams said she hoped the city's thriving independent scene would continue despite challenging times.

She added: "We hope we're the only indie which has to close, the city has such a great indie scene and that needs to be protected.

"Norwich customers support independents like no one else and we saw that in the messages we got when we announced our closure.

"It's a sad end and a horrible way to go but we know we did all we could.

"14 years in hospitality isn't a bad feat especially since we started in a recession.

"It's time to move on now."

'Such sad news'

Fellow city businesses were quick to pay tribute as the closure of Frank's Bar was announced.

Replying to a lengthy Instagram post, The Assembly House said: "Such sad news: we send Assembly House love to our hospitality family at Frank’s. You were amazing, you are amazing and we hope you’ll be back one day."

King Street barber shop Courage Noble added: "So, so sorry guys. This is the worst news."

St Andrews Street pub The Rumsey Wells said: "We remember opening within months of each other and it felt so exciting for Norwich to open around so many like minds.

"You guys managed to hold down the good vibes - always. We will miss you dearly. Big love from us to you."

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