The Colonnade Bar next to Theatre Royal in Brighton could close

Management at The Colonnade in New Road, Brighton, which is attached to the Theatre Royal, claim the theatre has "decided to turf us out" meaning the pub will close in June next year.

The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), said it will be redeveloping the theatre building over the next year and "has no plans to close the Colonnade Pub".

It declined to give any more details and said talks are ongoing.

But devastated staff say they have been told that ATG plans to incorporate the pub in to a new front of house area.

The Colonnade was originally built in 1806 to serve theatre-goers before and after performances and drinks during show intervals.

Lyndon Brooker, manager of The Colonnade (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Lyndon Brooker, 40, manager of the bar, said: “They apparently need us to close so they can do a poor job of serving more people at their horrendously slow, poorly stocked and overpriced bars.

“So the pub has got to go.

“That gorgeous little relic of a bygone era. The one that everyone tells us is precious, and they should never change.

The pub has been in the city since 1806 (Image: Argus Archive)

“That pub that's listed in every Brighton tourist guide as a point of cultural and historical significance.

“That beautiful little oasis from the hustle and bustle, slap bang in the city centre.

“That totally viable and profitable business that many of us call home, and some have for nearly a decade.”

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Lyndon said the pub was unique and much-loved.

He said: “Despite being a city centre theatre bar, this really is a community pub. We genuinely know the name, face and drink of about half the people that walk in on a given day.

"It's unusual in a pub like this. But I suspect that's been given zero consideration by ATG.”

Inside the pub (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

The pub first opened as The Colonnade Hotel in 1806.

The Theatre Royal, Colonnade Pub, attached colonnade and stage entrance to the Theatre Royal in Bond Street are Grade II* listed, according to Historic England's website.

The section outside the theatre was replaced in 1894 when the theatre was reconstructed.

The Colonnade has hosted many stars over the years and its walls are lined with signed photographs of its famous customers.

It has served big name actors including Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Britt Ekland and Kara Tointon

Lyndon said the business 'really is a community pub' (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

The closure threat comes after news that another historic pub, The Prince Albert, in Trafalgar Street, could close if plans to build nine shops and two holiday lets next to it are approved.

Holiday lets next to The Prince Albert, which has live acts every night of the week, could lead to noise complaints which would force it to close.

John Baldock, theatre director at Theatre Royal Brighton, said: “We want to use this opportunity to reassure everyone that there are no plans to close the Colonnade pub.

"We absolutely appreciate how important the pub is to the local community, a great many of our theatre customers, visiting companies and venue teams.

"We are undertaking a 12 month, multimillion-pound programme of building and restoration work on our Grade II* listed theatre, including replacing our historical facade.

"The Colonnade Pub is an integral part of the theatre, and of course the facade. We will be ensuring that any disruption that these major works will incur, will be minimised. Thank you.”