A popular Hucknall bar is to close its doors for the final time tonight (Sunday 9 October).

H2O Bar and Lounge on Hucknall High Street will not be reopening its owners announced in a shock social media post earlier today. They cited a 'lack of visitors' and the current difficult financial climate as factors in the decision to close.

The venue opened ten years ago as a sports bar that also showcased live music.

It has had a few different owners but changed hands for the final time four years ago when engaged couple Tavis Beresford and Jay Willows took over.

Their tenure was complicated by the Coronavirus pandemic which forced pubs to close for a lengthy period of time and then saw heavy restrictions placed upon them when they were eventually allowed to initially reopen. This meant that Tavis had no choice but to get a second job, working in security, to help the family make ends meet.

Earlier this year, Tavis and Jay attempted to reinvent the venue as café/bistro with a family orientated feel by launching a delicious tapas and street food menu as well as cancelling their sports subscriptions.

Unfortunately, it seems that this was not as successful at attracting customers as hoped.

In a post on the venue's official Facebook page, earlier today, the owners wrote: "It is with greatest regret that we have to announce H2O Bar and Lounge Hucknall will be closed permanently from Monday 10th October.

"Due to the ongoing and continuing decline in the industry and the lack of visitors due to the cost of living, we have had to make this difficult decision.

"We have had a rollercoaster of a ride, lots of up and downs, friends have come through the door for happy times and shared sorrows.

"Lots of memories will love in this building and our hearts.

"Thank you to every single one of you that have been on this journey with us. You have made it such an experience.

"Just an extra thank you to all the staff that have worked timelessly behind the bar to serve you and entertain you.

"With a tear running down our cheek and a heavy heart, we will be locking the doors and turning off the lights tonight. Our sign will be turned off for the last time.

"The bar will finally go quiet. We will be sending our fond farewells and final goodbyes.

"Lots of Love, Team H2O x".

The post has so far had nearly 200 reactions with the majority of those sad or shocked expressions.

Damien O'Connor who used to own the bar, commented on the post, writing: "It's devastating to see that yet another well known and loved venue will be closing its doors for good in Hucknall.

"Having had the pleasure of managing and owning the bar before moving to Damo's, we too share the sentiment of the good times had by many who graced us and those who continued to support the venue when Tavis and Janine took tenure from myself back in 2018.

"It's a sad time for those who not only worked and drank in H2o frequently but to the Hucknall Pub scene in general as it has always been at the heart of a night out in the town.

"We raise a drink to you and wish everyone involved the very best in what the future holds. Damo x".

Livvy Shelton wrote: "This is really sad to read I've had so many good nights in there x".

These sentiments were echoed by many other residents as nearly 100 comments were added to the original post.

The original announcement can be viewed on the venue's Facebook page which can be accessed by clicking here.