13th century pub forced to close
This comes after it was predicted six pubs would close every week – an outlet decline rate of 0.7% - due economic challenges like the cost-of-living crisis, surging inflation and rocketing energy costs.
The 13th century pub was destroyed by a fire in 2016 but reopened two years later.
In a statement the site’s owner said: “I would like to thank all our hard-working staff and customers for the immense pleasure it has been to work alongside and serve."
Pub closures
The traditional country pub was located on Dartmoor and had a beer garden and five guest rooms. Its menu featured a range of pub classics from Sunday roasts to sausages and mash, and aimed to deliver “the best of Devon on our plates”.
Gastropubs across the country have also been forced to shut for good. Last week, the Five Bells in Cullompton, Devon closed as a result of “lockdowns and the economic downturns they caused”.
The pub, which was taken on by James and Charlie Garnham in 2017 placed number 35 on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs List 2022.
A post on the pub’s social media and on its website said: “Closure notice. It is with great sadness that James and Charlie have to announce the closure of the Five Bells Inn."
Economic difficulties
It continued: “Lockdowns and the economic downturn they have caused have left the business struggling financially and, in spite of the hard work of the team and the support of our customers, suppliers and our landlord, it is simply not possible to continue trading.
“All deposits taken for future bookings have been processed for refunds via Stripe. We hope new owners can be found in due course to reopen a fantastic pub.
“We want to thank all our customers in the past (nearly) five years and all our staff and suppliers for supporting us.”
Furthermore, Andrew Pern’s Michelin-listed Yorkshire pub the Star Inn the Harbour, will also close its doors for good next month following alleged “utter lack of support” from the local council in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The operator will close the Whitby pub, which first opened in June 2017 and is part of the Star Group of restaurants, with “great sadness and a heavy heart”.
