BEACON readers continue to express their concern at the closure of the tapas bar in the town, with a number expressing the wish that it might re-open. One reader, Andrew Hubert von Staufer, wrote to say: "I was very saddened to learn of the closure of the Malt House Tapas bar. As the founding vice chairman of Wye Valley Tourism some time ago, I recognized and recommended that there were deficiencies in the quality and availability of places other than pubs for the visitor and local resident to visit. "When the Malt House opened as a Tapas Bar in 2004, it injected a bit of glamour, not least through the ministries of the friendly and often glamorous young Argentinean staff; but through the sheer quality of the surroundings, and the fare on offer. "It set a pretty high standard for others to match. As a parishioner of St Mary's Catholic Church I can say that we were never inconvenienced by noise or nuisance regardless of the variety of timing for our various services throughout the year. "Monmouth is the poorer for the assign of the Tapas Bar, a place that I have even heard recommended among flight staff of both BMI and Easyjet". Another reader, Amanda Jones, wrote to say: "I too am very disappointed at the closure of the Malt House Tapas Bar, particularly as it was a thriving and well-loved local business that brought a much- needed shot of quality and flair to the food scene in Monmouth." When a national newspaper did a recent feature on Monmouth (the Guardian, 15 March 2008) the article gave "the lovely Malt House... a cool Spanish tapas bar and restaurant" as the only recommendation for a place to eat in town, while making the point that "Abergavenny... 15 miles up the road, is the real foodie destination. "And now Monmouth has even less to offer residents and visitors in that respect. I also noted the irony that last weeks' Beacon also featured two stories about Monmouth's tourism and development ambitions i.e. the opening of the new Tourist Information Centre, which aims to encourage visitors to the area, and the proposed development of Merlins and David Christopher premises in Monnow Street, described as "an expression of confidence in the future prosperity of Monmouth". "I would have thought that the local authority, in acceding to the campaign against the owners of the Malt House would have realised that its closure has provided local people and visitors alike with another reason for heading elsewhere to spend their leisure time and money". A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council told The Beacon "We are saddened to hear that the Malthouse has closed. Monmouthshire County Council works very hard to develop and imporve local economies in the County. "With regards to A-boards, we have a council policy which explains how A-boards should be displayed to ensure health and safety and access problems are minimised in all Monmouthshire towns. "Council officers recently carried out an awareness raising exercise by visiting all businesses that would be affected by this policy in Monmouth. Business owners were given a letter explaining the policy and criteria for displaying A-boards outside their premises. "Officers have also consulted with Monmouth stakeholders in an effort to find an alternative to A- boards such as pershaps new signage throughout the town. This work is ongoing. "We want to see Monmouth as a town which can be enjoyed by all which means that we have to take issues such as access and health and safety very seriously." A final word came from local resident, Judith Perks, who commented: "I believe that it has been a great asset to the town. "There are very few places where people of all ages can go to enjoy anything from a light snack or a coffee to a full meal. "It has brought something different to the town and I am very sorry that it is closing. It will be a great loss and I do hope that others will support me in hoping that the proprietor could be persuaded to continue" she added.
