The Bard micropub closes down months after relaunch in Prescot

Launched in a former newsagents on the edge of High Street in 2018, the Bard was the first micropub in Prescot and named for the incoming arrival of the Shakespeare North Playhouse.

With a focus on real ale, the Bard won several CAMRA awards over the years and new tenants created 'The Bard Micropub 2021 Limited Company' in 2021 to try and secure the venue's future.

This management lasted until September 2023, when new tenants took over the reins of the pub and rebranded as 'The Bard's Hamlet'.

However, after a dispute between the Prescot building's owner and the tenants, the Bard has been closed for good.

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The Shakespeare-inspired pub in 2022 (Image: St Helens Star)
Information on the Companies House website shows that The Bard Micropub 2021 LTD was given a first notice for compulsory strike-off this month.

Additionally, Knowsley Council had issued the Bard with a Community Protection Warning and a Community Protection Notice following complaints regarding the storage of barrels in the pub's shared yard on Moss Street.

Knowsley Council issued the business with a fixed penalty notice and a Community Protection Order after the barrels were not removed.

Knowsley Council issued the Bard with a penalty notice after the barrels were not removed (Image: Dave Illidge)
It is understood that the tenants have since removed their equipment and left the premises, while Kegwatch (a trade association for the brewing industry) removed the barrels on Monday, June 10.

As the recent dispute means that three tenants have moved in and out of the pub in relatively quick succession, building owner Dave Illidge has now put the property back up for lease.

However, his intention is for the venue to no longer operate as a pub.

The building is now up for lease (Image: Rightmove)
Speaking to the Star, Dave said: "I don't plan on allowing another bar to operate from the premises as it's been more hassle than it's worth.

"After three tenants have moved in and out in quick succession, I don't believe the venue is suitable for a bar, especially as we have already had noise complaints from the upstairs tenant."

The bar has now been cleared (Image: Dave Illidge)
Commenting on the issue, a Knowsley Council spokesperson said: “Ensuring that licensed premises and alcohol licence holders comply with regulations is a priority for the council.

"The council takes instances of non-compliance seriously and we are now pursuing formal action with this licence holder.”