Popular British pub the Londoner closed in Cedar Rapids

The Londoner, a popular British-themed pub that closed without explanation about two weeks ago, won't be coming back to its original Center Point Road location.

After deferring answers about the fate of the pub on Friday from The Gazette, operator Doug Graham posted on the pub's Facebook page Sunday that the closing is official.

"This was not my choice and I will be working toward offering a "new location" in the near future," Graham wrote, offering thanks to staff and customers.

Graham did not return a telephone message seeking further clarification of the pub's status Monday.

Graham and his sister, Marilyn Orton, opened The Londoner on Feb. 8, 2010, in a leased 2,700-square-foot location at 3325 Center Point Road NE. It developed a popular following among those who enjoy televised soccer and rugby, and was popular with diners who enjoy authentic British pub fare.

Any reopening of the pub at a different location will not be immediate because the pub's liquor license has been canceled at its own request, according to the Cedar Rapids City Clerk's office. That means the owners would have to reapply for a new license if it reopens.

The clerk's office was notified that the pub was closed by its insurance provider, according to a spokeswoman.