One of Reading’s most popular LGBTQ+ inclusive venues, The Blagrave Arms, has announced it will close permanently at the end of 2025.
Owner Marc Abercrombie said the pub will host a final New Year’s Eve party on Wednesday 31 December, running from 20:00 until 03:00, before closing its doors for good.
In a message shared with customers, Mr Abercrombie said he was making the decision “with a heavy heart”, citing mounting pressures on the hospitality industry.
He said rising building and business costs, the cost-of-living crisis, reduced footfall and the landlord’s decision to sell the building had all contributed to the closure.
“It’s a hard decision to make, but some of it is out of my hands,” he said.
The Blagrave Arms, which has operated as an inclusive and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community since 2012, followed Mr Abercrombie’s earlier venue, The Granby. Together, he said, the pubs had served the Reading community for more than 25 years.
“I’ve always believed in one simple truth: love the one you’re with and be kind to everyone,” he said.
Reflecting on the venue’s role in the town, Mr Abercrombie said he had “poured my heart and soul into serving a community that means everything to me”.
“I’ve seen it change, shrink, struggle and evolve,” he said. “But through it all, we have always been there for you – through grief, through celebrations, through the hard nights and the dark days.”
The pub has hosted three wedding celebrations and numerous milestone birthdays, and was the birthplace of the Renegades, Reading’s all-inclusive rugby team, whose first kit was sponsored by the venue.
Over the years, The Blagrave Arms has also raised more than £20,000 for Reading Pride.
Mr Abercrombie paid tribute to past and present staff, DJs, performers, karaoke hosts, customers, as well as friends and family who supported the venue.
The Blagrave Arms will remain open until the end of the year, with Mr Abercrombie encouraging customers to “pop in to share your memories” before its final farewell.
