King's Lynn club forced to close its doors in town centre

A club used by ex-servicemen and women, as well as regulars, has closed its doors.

King's Lynn Social Club, based at the previous Royal British Legion building in Regent Street, Lynn, has ceased trading with the coronavirus pandemic and non renewal of its lease being the main factors in its demise.

Bespoke are responsible for the lease of the premises, which King's Lynn Social Club believe wasn't going to be renewed.

It is believed that the branch, as a separate entity, will continue to offer its services for the charity at the Conservative Club in London Road.

Royal British Legion members also hold a Remembrance Day parade in the town centre each November.

Sharon Smith, who has been bar manager for 18 years, said: "It was a matter of going under very quickly or doing something about it.

"The door certainly wouldn't have closed if our lease could have been renewed or covid-19 hadn't have happened.

"The lease is due for renewal in October but we felt it wasn't fair on the staff or the members if we were to reopen our doors for such a short space of time.

"We had to look at it in so many ways and it is devastating to so many of us as we've been working hard for so many years to keep it going.

"It was our life and we also raised our children during this time. It would have broken my late husband Stephen's heart if he was still alive.

"After 22 years of involvement with the club, I've got to look for another job. The job side of it doesn't bother me, it is more the fact that we were like one happy family there."

King's Lynn Social Club has served up live entertainment over the years, along with bingo nights, while a number of sports teams, including darts, dominoes and cribbage sides, have used the venue as their base.

After closing its doors, a statement from King's Lynn Social Club on Facebook said: "It is with great sadness and regret that We have to inform you that the club will stay permanently closed.

"This is due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the expiration of the lease.

"We would like to thank all our customers for their support and custom over the years, without whom we would not have been able to continue for so long.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly and are sorry that we had no other option."

Following the news, Eileen Bloy posted on social media: "Sorry to hear this news Sharon you have done so much to keep the club operational but sadly times have changed and the future is very uncertain.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of the entertainers that you have booked from me in the past years.

"Take care Sharon and all of the staff, well done."

Due to the closure, the club has been holding a table sale this week and all proceeds will go to Tapping House Hospice.