'It’s another nail in the coffin of Werrington Centre' - Ploughman pub to permanently close
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The Ploughman, at Werrington, ceased trading at midnight on Tuesday last week (January 2) when landlord Andy Simmons shut the community boozer’s doors for good.
Making the shock announcement, an emotional Andy said: “It’s with a heavy heart that The Ploughman will close its doors after 41 years of service.”
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Hide AdAlthough personally upset, Andy’s immediate concerns were for his loyal regulars.
He added: “I’m devastated for the locals who use this pub. It’s another nail in the coffin of Werrington Centre.”
The Ploughman was known to be one the city’s most authentic ‘locals’.
“It was a community pub where people came together,” Andy said. “People cared about each other in this pub.”
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Hide AdThe Ploughman has also won a host of awards over the years. Indeed, the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) organisation crowned it pub of the year in 2011 and 2014.
Andy and his partner have been recognised with civic awards for their charity fundraising. The dedicated couple have raised thousands of pounds over the past 14 years.
After suffering a heart attack last year at the age of just 45, the campaigning landlord felt he had no option but to call time at The Ploughman.
However, Andy said the end of an era would not mean the end of his love affair with Werrington, or the local people he cares so passionately about.
“I’m pretty sure there’s going to be something on the horizon,” he said, optimistically.