Funky Duck Bar and Restaurant in Chepstow denies closure

The Funky Duck Bar and Restaurant in Chepstow, which only opened under its current name in the former Pitchers in June 2024 following a series of soft launches, says it is "very much open" despite persistent speculation that it has shut or will soon do so.

The team addressed the rumours, saying: "We hadn’t intended to comment on this, however over the past few weeks we have been made aware of something that we feel needs addressing as it’s starting to feel draining and honestly quite upsetting.

"Recently, we have been informed on numerous occasions that customers are being told we are closing at the end of March — or that we have already closed.

"To clarify: We are not closing.

"We are very much open, happy here, and continuing to grow.

"We are proud of our pub, our dedicated staff, and the wonderful customers who support us.

"We also have some exciting new plans and events coming over the next few months, which we are very much looking forward to sharing.

"We understand that rumours can spread quickly, especially within a small town.

"However, misinformation can be incredibly damaging — particularly in the current climate, where hospitality businesses are facing significant challenges.

"We kindly ask that if you hear this rumour, please help us by correcting it."

Funky Duck owner Fiona Williams says she and her "amazing team" have "no intention" of closing (Image: Fiona Williams)

Owner Fiona Williams added: "It is really hard to hear that people are trying to ruin us by spreading rumours that are just not true.

"We have an amazing team and we all work really hard to keep the place going. We have no intention of going anywhere any time soon."

Located on the first floor of 23 Beaufort Square, the venue was formerly known as Pitchers Sports Bar & Grill and now operates as a pub-restaurant with a strong emphasis on DJ nights, events, and late-night entertainment.

It serves breakfast and food throughout the day and offers a broad drinks selection featuring brands such as Amstel, Guinness, Birra Moretti, Thatchers, Malibu, and Gordon's Gin.

The Funky Duck team have confirmed they are not closing despite rumours (Image: Fiona Williams)

The Funky Duck has positioned itself as a lively social hub for both the Welsh and English sides of the border, with social media posts inviting patrons to "celebrate the wins or drown the losses" until as late as 3am.

Described as a "party venue" in early reviews, the venue is open and trading as normal, with no plans to shut.