Punters have their say as Wetherspoon pub closes for £2m refit

Wetherspoon closed its Albany Palace pub in Park Road on Saturday evening to enable work on the huge investment to start on Monday, March 11.

The major refurbishment is expected to take just over 12 weeks and the Albany Palace is not likely to reopen until Tuesday, June 11.

Phil Morris, 69, and his wife, Jen, 54, have been regulars at the pub for more than ten years since moving to Trowbridge from Bath.

Albany Palace regulars Phil and Jen Morris spent a couple of hours at the pub on Saturday before it closed for refurbishment. Image: Trevor Porter 76863-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

He said: “We were only there on Saturday for a couple of hours and we didn’t stay until the evening.

“Because people knew it was closing, they had run out of beers and had been running down their stocks ahead of the closure.

“We know most of the staff by name and we have seen the plans. By the look of the plans, it going to be pretty good, particularly the outside area.”

Lisa and Ivor Piper also went for a last drink at the pub before it closed for the refurbishment.

Lisa is an Albany Palace regular and said she is going to miss chats with staff and locals.

She said: "It's last orders here today but I’m looking forward to returning when completed.”

Albany Palace regulars Lisa and Ivor Piper enjoy a drink ahead of its three-month closure for refurbishment. Image: Trevor Porter 76863-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Ivor, who spent this working life at Ushers Brewery in the town, added: "It’s a welcoming place and we always have a great welcome from the staff. 

"We are on first-name terms with them all and both Lisa and myself are going to miss the friendly atmosphere here at Albany Palace.

"We are both looking forward to when it's finished and we are back to enjoy a pint."

Wetherspoon starts work on the major revamp this week and is relocating the staff who work at the Albany Palace to its pubs in Bath, Chippenham, Swindon (The Dockle), Melksham and Warminster while it is taking place.

The nationwide chain submitted plans to Wiltshire Council in August 2022 to change the use of Park House next to the Albany Palace from offices to a public house.

The company plans to refurbish the Albany Palace interior as well as extend it into the Park House offices next door formerly occupied by Alzheimer's Support in Wiltshire.

It also wants to build a boundary wall in front of the beer garden which is taking up the space in front of Park House where drivers used to park their vehicles.

Following the refurbishment, the pub’s internal customer area will be extended from 3,529 square feet to 3,945 sq.ft and there will be a new 753 sq.ft beer garden.

Afterwards, the Albany Palace will be able to seat 232 people inside – an increase of 82 – and 66 in the beer garden.

Trowbridge Town Council leader Stewart Palmen, who is the ward councillor, said: “I will be popping in for a pint as soon it reopens.

“I am pleased that Wetherspoons is showing confidence in Trowbridge and are actively taking part in the regeneration of the town centre by upgrading their Albany Palace property.”