Troubled Swindon pub shuts for good leaving with ‘very fond memories’

The Check Inn on Woodland View, Wroughton has had several comings and goings with regard to owners in previous years.

Landlord Andy Waters moved into the pub with his wife and three children back in February of 2020 and gave the building a new look.

Things had turned sour by November of the same year though as the group were given two weeks’ notice to leave after a stock take revealed more than £3,500 of missing goods.

Mr Waters disputed this at the time. He said: “We only had three beer orders in one month and didn’t receive a week of stock but the company was still billed for it, that’s why.

“We did have a friend’s cottage to stay at but that’s gone, and we used to rent accommodation in Taunton where our old pub is but we don’t any more.

“The company can’t afford to keep the pub, it’s not their fault, it’s just the situation, but this does put us in a dilemma.

Fast forward to May of 2022 and new Welsh landlords Luke Monday and Annie Macefield moved from Aberystwyth to take on The Check Inn.

Luke and Annie planned to build the place up “slowly but surely” to ensure its longevity and were enjoying a “living and breathing pub every day”.

This did not last however as just three months later, the pair departed Swindon after being "beckoned to another pub" in Swansea.

Former landlords of The Check Inn, Luke Monday and Annie Macefield. (Image: The Check Inn)

The pub is now to be shut for good after being reported on a post on the watering hole’s Facebook page.

A spokesperson for the pub said: “It's with great sadness but unfortunately The Check Inn will be closing its doors for the final time this Friday.

“The last year here at The Check Inn has been some of the best of our lives and we would like to thank you all for supporting us.

“We will always have very fond memories of The Check Inn and wish all the best to all our customers.

“The pub will be open as usual till Friday with £2 a pint on all Real Ales, Real Ciders & The Black Horse Pilsner whilst stocks last.

“Again we want to say a massive thank you to all of you who have come and supported us these last year.

“So long and thanks for all the beer.”

Update: A spokesperson for Fuller, Smith & Turner said: “Our Tenant at The Check Inn has informed us that they wish to leave and we are currently searching for a new Tenant so we can keep the pub open and running – but it is becoming increasingly difficult.

"In light of that, we are also currently marketing the freehold of the pub and we are hoping that, between these two options, we can ensure the long term future of the pub.”