South Bristol residents were left devastated yesterday when the closure of another community pub was confirmed.
Greene King, who bought The Cross Hands on Bridgewater Road in 1996, announced that they are closing it this weekend with last orders on Sunday, October 6.
A spokesperson for the pubco said 'from time to time we have to make difficult decisions' and thanked those who have visited it over the years.
Following the announcement there was plenty of speculation surrounding the pub's future, with some people claiming the building is set to be demolished to make way for flats, but others sharing a more positive outlook.
The future of The Cross Hands
People living nearby will be relieved to hear that there is good news, as the pub's new owners told Bristol Live they are planning a major refurbishment before reopening it.
The pub has been purchased by Wring Group Ltd, a family-run firm which specialises in demolition but also has a number of other facets.
Managing director John Wring outlined the family's plans for the pub - and it sounds very promising
"A business within Wring Group has purchased the Cross Hands in Bedminster Down," he said.
"There has been a huge amount of sensitivity within the community surrounding this property, which has been enhanced by a lack of investment in the property and its service and the fact the area has already lost many popular pubs to redevelopment.
"We have purchased the pub as a proud family of Bristolians who work and have grown up in south Bristol, in both Bedminster and Bedminster Down, and whose parents used to take us to the pub as children along with many other pubs in the area that used to exist.
"We will be refurbishing the property and reopening it as a public house with a good food offering, and will ensure it will be well managed."
John added that the group hasn't yet been able to carry out any surveys to determine the level of work required, but that he anticipates that the refurbishment will take 'months rather than weeks'.
He said he hopes the local community will 'embrace and support the fact we have attempted to bring it back to its former glory as a popular meeting, drinking and eating facility that serves the local community and surrounding areas'.
Bristol Live will bring you all the latest news on the transformation of the well-liked community pub over the coming months.
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