Regulars gather as Bury St Edmunds Constitutional Club, in Guildhall Street, closes its doors for final time after 138 years
A landmark Bury St Edmunds venue closed its doors for the final time yesterday after serving the community for 138 years.
Drinkers gathered at The Constitutional Club, in Guildhall Street, during the afternoon and evening to say their farewells.
The club featured a private members bar, a function hall, dedicated snooker hall, and has been used for hundreds of events over the years.
It has had to close amid the cost of living crisis, says the committee.
Yesterday, regulars gathered, some of whom have been visiting the venue for many years.
Regular Ursula Banks said: “I first started coming here nine years ago when the walls were pink, the carpets were like something from your grandma’s house, and you had to sign yourself in.
“I then lived in the flat upstairs, worked behind the bar, and also arranged many events including TV style shows.
I have some wonderful memories.
“But it’s been tough with things like the cost of living affecting us, and just sad it has to close.
“This place has been a big part of my life and I’ve made lifelong friends here.
“The majority of people have been coming here for years, and it’s a big loss to the town.
“The committee has been phenomenal.”
The Constitutional Club was originally opened, on April 6, 1888, by the Marquess of Bristol, accompanied by Lord Francis Hervey, MP for Bury St Edmunds, and Lord Harris.
The club has a floral courtyard beer garden.
It hosted many events for members including cheese and wine evenings, trips to breweries, hidden gardens BBQs, Remembrance Day events, karaoke, pool competitions, snooker leagues.
It was home to the Hoo Ha Record Club, a DJ collective which run themed-evenings of music.
The Constitutional Club was home to the Bury St Edmunds Spring and Winter Beer Festival, which boasts over 30 ales, ciders and craft beers.
It also featured in the Bury St Edmunds Ale Trail.
Regular Bruce Welch said: “I reckon I’ve spent hundreds behind the bar over the last ten years or so.
“It’s a great family, friendly place, with a great atmosphere.
“I’m sad to see it go.”
American Duncan Veal, an aircraft mechanic at RAF Lakenheath, said: “I first came here three years ago and have been a regular ever since.
“I has a great sense of community and a great place for friendships.
“I will have memories here that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Emma Warren, chairperson of the club, said last week, the club had been forced to shut as it was no longer making a profit; suffering as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
She said: “I’m absolutely gutted. It’s a place where lots of people go, lots of functions happen and people have made lots of memories.
“There was lots at stake in making the decision [to close] and it certainly wasn’t an easy one.”
The club has 319 members and employs one full time member of staff as well as five who work part time.
Last year, the club hosted the town’s first LGBTQ+ pride festival, which more than 200 people attended, and has held monthly discos for adults with special needs.
It has been a venue for beer festivals, private events, birthday parties, wedding receptions and wakes as well as performances by local bands.
Regular Susan Roberston said: “I’ve been coming here for around ten years.
“Everybody knows each other and I’m very sad to see it go.”
Manager of eight years, Neil Rayson, said: “It is just very very sad.
“Lots of friendships have been made over the years, and you have to wonder, where will these people go.
“Everyone from the committee, to the bar staff and the customers, have been brilliant.”
The closure announcement was made last weekend at a members meeting.
Emma Warren added: “We just want to thank all of the members, staff and past and present committee members who have supported the club over all of these years.
“It wouldn’t have happened without everybody and it’s a shame it has all ended.”
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