Via Fossa Nottingham: We have one final drink in this iconic Nottingham pub before it closes

In just a few days Nottingham’s Via Fossa pub will close for good after more than three decades of trading beside the city’s canal. 

Last week its owner, pub chain Green King, announced that the once-thriving venue would shut its doors on Saturday, October 19. 

In a brief statement, Green King told Nottingham World: “We have made the difficult decision to close Via Fossa on the 19th October. 

“We appreciate this is difficult news to our loyal customers and we would like to thank each of them who have enjoyed visiting over the years.

 “We are working closely with our team at Via Fossa to find alternative employment in our pubs across Nottingham, where possible. 

“The pub will remain open and trading as usual over the coming weeks.”

The news of Via Fossa’s impending closure came just a week after confirmation that another iconic Nottingham establishment, Annie’s Burger Shack, had also shut its doors. 

Located inside a former warehouse, Via Fossa became known for its stunning views over the Nottingham Canal. 

As Nottingham prepares to bid farewell to yet another prominent venue, we headed down to the pub earlier this week for one final drink. 

The end of an era feel inside 

My first (and only) visit to Via Fossa fell on a Monday afternoon, but it was pleasing to see another seven or eight customers inside enjoying a drink. 

The pub’s official closing date is just five days away at this point, and there is no escaping the end of an era feel that consumes the building. 

The front part of the pub - facing Canal Street - is no longer open to the public and has instead become a storage room for tables and chairs. 

Even at the rear section of the building, the pub’s stage now hosts furniture instead of live entertainment. 

Upstairs is a similar story, where not one of the pub’s few remaining customers has chosen to sit. 

Despite the obvious subdued atmosphere, it’s important to highlight the professionalism of the remaining staff. 

In what must be a tough situation to navigate, with the pub’s closure just days away, the two bar staff still managed to greet me with a smile and were happily chatting away in between serving customers. 

After receiving my drink, I decided to brave the October wind and take a seat outside, overlooking the canal. 

The view over the canal, with nearby trees changing colour, was a peaceful experience. 

I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that such a great spot for an afternoon drink was just days away from closure. 

Here’s to hoping that one day in the near future, this iconic Nottingham building will once again be a place to enjoy a drink.