A town centre pub which closed suddenly after over 20 years is set to reopen this summer.
The Gladstone Arms, on Gladstone Road in Chippenham, announced that its restaurant and bar shut on Monday, March 9, after over two decades under the current management.
A notice published in the window and front door of the venue thanked customers for their support during that time and warned that the business was now closed.
It said: “Dear Gladstone Arms customers. Our restaurant and bar are now closed.
“We would like to thank everyone over the past 22 years for all your loyalty and support.
“Leighton and team.”
Shortly after closing for good, the pub was being marketed by pub operator Red Oak Taverns, which was seeking a new tenant to take on and reopen it.
Signs said it was available with “flexible terms and low entry costs.”
But it seems the popular pub has been snapped up by new management as a Facebook page has been created stating the bar and restaurant will be reopening 'summer 2026.'
The post read: "Soon to be reopening the Gladstone.
"Summer 2026 just got a whole lot better.
"Get ready to soak up the sun in our garden, with small plates, large plates and incredible tipples."
Although an official opening date is yet to be announced, they are currently hiring for a cleaner, bar and waiting staff, chefs and kitchen porters.
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Another social media post published this weekend said they have been "inundated with replies" to their vacancies and plan to respond as soon as possible.
"In the meantime, enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend, by the time the next one comes, you'll be in our garden", the post added.
The Gladstone Arms underwent an “exciting” restaurant refurbishment in late 2024 and temporarily closed for two weeks.
Leighton Davis took over the pub in 2004 when it was called The Borough Arms and had been boarded up.
He previously told this paper that he had invested thousands of pounds into the establishment to turn its fortunes around and boost its reputation.
The Gladstone Arms is the third town centre pub in Chippenham to close over the last few months.
In late 2025, the nearby Rose and Crown also shut unexpectedly and remains closed with discussions about its future ongoing.
The Brunel on New Road closed earlier this year and is currently on the market.
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