Loyal customers of the Starting Gate have been reminiscing on the pub after its recent closure, leaving many upset by the decision. 

The Beefeater pub, in Hereford's Holmer Road, closed in July. The pub and restaurant was one of 126 venues across the country to be closed by owner Whitbread, including The Travellers Rest in Ross-on-Wye.

Whitbread said the decision was made to close “lower-performing” venues, after a decline in footfall. Both venues were attached to Premier Inn hotels, also owned by Whitbread.

"After many years serving the community we can confirm the Starting Gate and Travellers Rest are closing their doors on July 5," said a spokesperson announcing the closure.

"We'd like to thank the local community for their support over the years and our amazing team."

Chrissie Owens-Galbraith, posting on the We Grew Up in Hereford Facebook group, shared her sadness about the closure after a recent trip to the site in the hope of a meal.

“Stopped in at the Starting Gate on Wednesday evening for a drink and a meal on the way back to Wales.

“Very sad to see a sign on the door that it is only for the residents of the Premier Inn. How sad as it used to be lovely”.

Vinny Jones said: “Lived there some 50 years ago before it was a Premier Inn.

“The restaurant now used to be stables and where the premier hotel is was a field in which we had three horses, five goats and two calves, those were the days”.

Terry Reilly, discussing happy childhood memories of the pub said: “The gardens used to be full of rhododendrons. We used to play in the branches which were like tunnels and caves”.

Angela Powell said: “Many happy times spent there between 2007 and 2011 when I lived at Glenthorne road around the corner”.

Chris Martin, explaining the closure to other commenters said: “The Premier Inn is staying open and the Starting Gate is for those who are staying there although I understand those not staying can still book a breakfast.

“Myself, wife and friends will certainly miss the Starting Gate.”