Canterbury Ales Closes Doors

Canterbury Ales, a mainstay of Huntington village for more than 36 years, announced Monday that it has shut down.

Owner Billy Hoest emailed customers that, "This is a hurtful letter to write but you deserve, at least, a brief explanation. As of today, August 26th, Canterbury Ales has shut its doors. While it's a bit too personal to go into detail, I will say that the past few years due to the economic slowdown and a multitude of other factors, it was time to stop."

The restaurant, at 314 New York Ave., offered stained glass windows, dark paneled walls and cozy table settings.

And it won many fans, who were unanimous in their praise of the place.

Hoest wrote in his email, "This was my life. I grew up here, my family grew up here... many of YOU did too. From my days as a 'doorman' to bartending, managing and 28 years of ownership, my blood, sweat and tears went into Canterbury's. I owe such a debt of gratitude to family of Canterbury employees, friends, customers and vendors.

"This was not how I expected it to end... I never expected it to end.

"For those I've hurt or upset my apologies... But this is a very personal, hurtful and upsetting time. Unfortunately I was not able to endure.

"I wish you all well, and once again, thank you for the years of support."