Just been in the old town for the first time in yonks and the Minerva is closed down When and why has this happened? I spent many a great Friday night in my youth drinking with some legends of the Old Craven Park like Watky, Millo, Harkin.

About 18 months ago IIRC. Thnk someone has bought it again though just recently, and so might be repoening. The fruit market is moving later this year to priory park

The old town is becoming more like new town with theme bars etc, imo the old towns has lost its charm and some of its heritage, even the old corn exchange pub has changed its name to some ridiculous new trendy name after about 150 years.

Opening again within a month

Can't wait to see The Minerva reopen. I just hope it keeps the old "feel" to the place and it has plenty of decent guest beers.

Even the Corn Exchange has been 'updated'

Corn and Minerva are run by the same bloke. Known him for a few years now, he's been in the pub trade about 20yrs. Good luck to him.

I hope he doesn't mess around with the Minerva like he has with the Corn Exchange, what a grotty place it is now.

I suppose one of the reasons that Minerva closed was its lack of appeal to a wider public.
I liked it as it was , but my infrequent visits there would not generate that much cash - even when I did get the round in.

The Corn Exchange was a veritable shrine to RL , with decent beer and very efficient bar staff but the 'theme' pub may be a way for it to be a successful venture again.