Unique pub closes after just two years as devastated owner says they are shutting venue with ‘heavy hearts’

AN AWARD-WINNING pub has been forced to close after opening its doors just two years ago.

The luxury eatery was voted as the best pub in the Midlands and even were finalists for the best Desi grill of the year 2024.

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The Emerald in Nottingham offered a huge range of Indian dishes and had become a thriving community hub.

The pub doubled as a sports bar, attracting both hungry diners and football fans - in what the owners have described as a “cultural space” and a “labour of love”.

However, after being open for just two years, The Emerald has been forced to shut its doors for good.

The eatery has battled with soaring costs, as well as crushing internal pressures.

Announcing its closure on Facebook, The Emerald issued a lengthy and emotional post in which it thanked its loyal fan base.

A spokesperson for the pub said: “The Emerald was always more than just a pub—it was an Indian pub, a cultural space, and a labour of love that aimed to bring something different to our community.

“We will forever hold dear the memories, the celebrations, and the friendships that were forged within its walls.

“Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your unwavering support. It has meant everything to us.”

Fans flooded the comment section of the post, sharing their incredible stories and experiences from their trips to the pub.

One Facebook user wrote: “Very saddened to hear this and we always loved Emerald, it was more like home for us and will be missed.

“Thank you for all the lovely food and memories we have created at Emerald specially watching cricket and more importantly India winning the world cup.

“All the very best team Emerald for future!!”

Another shared: “Such sad news always made me and my family very welcome thank you for what you have tried to do.”

However, in its Facebook post, The Emerald detailed internal pressures which had contributed to its closure - which is scheduled to take place on May 31.

A spokesperson for the pub detailed how the departure of a business partner had created “emotional, financial and operational" strain which affected the “day-to-day running of the pub”.

The spokesperson also pointed to soaring costs as a major factor behind the closure of the pub.

They wrote: “Rising costs—including a significant increase in barrel prices, rent, and business rates—have placed a substantial financial burden on us, ultimately making the business unsustainable.

“Although we explored the possibility of selling the business to enable someone else to carry on what we began, we were unable to move forward due to conditions and restrictions that were beyond our control.

“More broadly, the current economic climate and policy environment have created immense pressures for small businesses, making it increasingly difficult for independent establishments like ours to survive.”

Many other businesses have faced closure, just like The Emerald.

Some businesses have laid the blame at the door of Rachel Reeves - arguing that her decision to increase National Insurance contributions and minimum wage have raised the cost of running a business.

However, The Chancellor has argued that her decisions were necessary to stabilise the economy that she inherited from the Conservatives.

In April 2025, the economy grew by 0.5% though Labour have said that they want to go even further with boosting economic growth.

Other businesses, including the luxury restaurant La Goccia, have blamed “Covid” and “Brexit” for leading to their closure.

The business told the Telegraph that they were unable to “recruit people with the right experience and skills” after Britain left the EU.