Sadness at White Lion closure

A number of people have contacted Audlem Online to say how sad they are to see the closure of the White Lion pub in Hankelow. To everyone's surprise, a notice went up on the door earlier this week saying "Closed due to lack of trade" and the pub has been shut since Monday.

The thirty five members of ARS, the Audlem Ramblers Society, will have been particularly shocked by the closure news. They enjoyed their Christmas dinner at the White Lion last Saturday, just before the closure. Gary, the landlord, and his team had been excellent hosts – cheerful, efficient and, in the circumstances, extremely professional.

We understand that Gary has been contacting those with bookings over the Christmas period. With the Bridge closed at present in Audlem, we hope this isn't the impact of recent legislation, like the smoking ban, now catching up with rural pub businesses. Rumour has it, however, that the Bridge will be re-opening shortly, but we haven't any confirmation as yet.

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