Mr G’s Bowling Centre in Brandon has closed after rising costs and planning restrictions made business inviable. Speaking to Suffolk News, Mr G himself, Nolan Guthrie, observed “there’s only so much you can put on to the customer.”

Mr G’s Bowling Centre in the Suffolk town of Brandon has announced it will close after 20 years, following a decision by West Suffolk Council to refuse permission for a first-floor extension that could have secured the future of the building.

Nolan Guthrie submitted plans to replace the damaged roof of the eight-lane bowling alley and restaurant last year, however was told the scheme did not comply with conservation policy, leading to a “painful, last resort decision.”

“We’ve brought a lot of people to Brandon,” Guthrie told Suffolk News. “There’s an awful lot of competition in Brandon now and to run a place of this size it takes a hell of a lot – you need every penny to make it work.”

“We’ve had some good times with an enjoyable bunch of staff, but things are changing and with costs going up, there’s only so much you can put on to the customer.”

The bowling complex recorded a financial loss for the last financial year, but Guthrie said the staff would receive redundancy payment in full.

Announcing the closure on social media, Mr G’s told customers “this decision has not been made lightly, but due to various challenges, we have reached the painful, last resort decision to close.”

“We cannot thank you enough for your support over the years. It has been our absolute pleasure to be a part of your special moments.”