BULBS have been smashed, light fittings broken, and a picture stolen from a city bar after it underwent a major £200k refurbishment.
The Conservatory on Friar Street has experienced a spate of vandalism since it reopened with a fresh new look and under new management in February.
The bar explained that it’s not the cost of replacing items, but the principle that money has been invested to make something look nice, that some customers are choosing to ruin.
RECCOMENDED READING:
Owners of new town centre café and bar thank community for ‘incredible support’
Social club that’s been ‘kept alive for over 80 years’ to close in April
Pub makes ‘very difficult’ decision to increase prices amid spiralling costs
“So much money has gone into getting this venue back to the point where it is doing well and thriving,” said a spokesperson for The Conservatory.
“It is just upsetting.
“It’s not the item itself. It’s the principle.
“We have taken time and tried our best and it makes just a mockery out of things.
The bar had officially reopened with a launch party in February 2026, but has since had a few items damaged by some customers.
The most recent incident at the bar was the theft of a £60 picture hung in one of the public bathrooms on March 28.
The bar does not remember the exact picture that was stolen, but said the situation is still frustrating nonetheless.
On CCTV, the manager of the bar watched a man enter the bathroom with what appeared to be the pictures under his coat.
He was then spotted walking up the road, showing off the picture to everyone who passed by
A spokesperson for The Conservatory added: “It was not super expensive, but it is our property.
“It was weird considering so much work has gone into the venue. It is quite upsetting as so much work has gone into it.
“It may seem like just a picture but someone taking it is just frustrating,
“No one wants stuff stolen, but I thought this goes without saying, and it happened, and it’s a shame.”
