A Coventry pub has said it is ‘impossible for us to continue’ just over a year after reopening.

The Aardvark, just outside the city centre, shared a message on its social media pages announcing it had taken the heart-breaking decision to close, with the last day being on Monday (20 July).

Saying increasing costs are responsible, management thanked customers and asked as many people as possible to pop in to say farewell before they ring the bell one final time.

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“It breaks our hearts to say this, but after everything we’ve tried, the rising cost of trading has made it impossible for us to continue,” a spokesman said. “Monday will be our final day of trading at The Aardvark.

“To everyone who has walked through our doors, shared a drink, celebrated with us, laughed with us, supported our events, or simply made us part of your week—thank you. You’ve made The Aardvark so much more than just a pub.

“This isn’t the ending we ever wanted, but unfortunately the increasing costs of running a small business have left us with no other choice.

“Please come down before we close on Monday, raise a glass with us, and help us give The Aardvark the send-off it deserves.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for every memory, every pint, and every bit of support over the years. With love, The Aardvark Team.”

We have approached Stonegate who owns the pub for a comment.

In recent years the Aardvark has been more associated with the university population due to its location and its branding as part of the Scream pub chain. However, its history far pre-dates the city’s status as a student area.

Opened as the Hen and Chickens in the 1830s, it changed its name to the Fowl and Firkin in the early 1990s. A 1980s landlord of the pub was named Mick Anthill and the pub assumedly coincidentally was renamed the Aardvark at the start of this century.

Its open plan design, multiple pool tables and screens all around the pub made it popular with sport fans.

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