A spokesman for the pub chain J D Wetherspoon, which runs the venue in Riverside, confirmed the pub shut on Wednesday and Thursday (April 14-15). The infestation was caused by Litterbugs throwing takeaway boxes into the river Stort.
The Port Jackson – the largest pub in Bishop’s Stortford, was one of many that reopened after the third lockdown eased allowing customers to eat and drink in beer gardens across the country.
A barrier has been erected by the Wetherspoons and they have baited outside with permission from the Canal & River trust. The bait has been adapted so that it is unable to be taken by water voles.
The spokesman continued: "The pub will be working with the C&R Trust to erect a long-term barrier that fits with the town. We have also volunteered to support in the maintenance of the riverbank.
"We emphasise that no rodents were in the pub and there is not a rodent problem in the pub itself." The Spokesman added the closure was also due to maintenance work in the kitchen.
