Andy McDonald from Barnstaple is pictured in front of his lorry with his London Classics medal, achieved despite only taking up running at the age of 50.
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05 Nov 2025
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05 Nov 2025
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The Water Gate, Barnstaple’s newest JD Wetherspoon pub, is set to close, the Gazette understands. Credit: Robert Eva
Barnstaple’s JD Wetherspoon pub The Water Gate is about to close down, the North Devon Gazette understands.
The popular venue on The Strand opened in 2009 and became the second ‘Spoons’ to open in the town following The Panniers in Boutport Street.
Still to this day known as ‘new ‘Spoons’ by many locals, it has been popular with night-time revellers and daytime visitors alike.
But rumours are flying around on local social media suggesting the venue is going to close.
JD Wetherspoon declined to make an official comment at this time, but the Gazette understands The Water Gate is going to close and the premises will be put up for sale.
The company had just over 800 pubs in mid 2024 but closed 41 venues in 2023 and further premises were scheduled to shut in 2024.
Over the past two years the company has been offloading smaller or older venues, especially those with nearby alternatives, such as in Barnstaple.
The Water Gate in Barnstaple was refurbished by JD Wetherspoon in October 2009 and was named after one of the original four town gates, which stood close by at the end of Cross Street.
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