A UK pub has been forced to close for the fourth time in three years. Billy Dutton and Kieran-Miguel D’la, who operated both The Angel in Rainham and the Rising Sun in Rochester, Kent, have announced the closure of The Angel just months after stepping back from the Rising Sun.
The owners shared the news on social media, expressing their gratitude to the community for its support. The Facebook post reads: “After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. We want to thank every single person who has walked through them – for the laughs, the music, the celebrations, the friendships and the support. You made this place what it was.
“It has been an honour to serve this community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
The comments were filled with customers sharing their devastation and support for the owners, with one writing, “You guys have been amazing” before wishing the pair good luck.
A second commented: “Sad news. Always had a warm welcome and a very pleasant time there after you took it over. Best wishes for you all in your new endeavours.”
A third asked: “Rising sun and now the Angel?” to which the owners responded: “Yes sadly with the cost of everything going up, the constant road closures, the business just doesn’t work with the current agreement with the brewery.”
The duo had also run the Rising Sun but announced they were stepping back in December. When the decision was announced, it was said that “it’s been a tough year”.
The pub has since been taken over by new owners. In a post on the updated Facebook page, the new owners shared that they feel “incredibly lucky” to be looking after the pub that’s been built on a lot of history.
They added: “Our aim is simple: to respect its history, keep the things people already love, and gently bring it back to life as a warm, welcoming place for everyone.
“We’re getting everything in place behind the scenes and will be opening soon. We’ll share updates here as we go, and we can’t wait to welcome you through the doors.”