The Pink & Lily in Princess Risborough announced its sudden closure on Tuesday (4 March) evening.
The announcement sparked more than 70 people to react to the news on Facebook.
It said: “So sorry to have to tell you but the Pink has ceased trading until further notice. Thank you so much for all your support and friendship since I’ve been here over the last seven years. I’ll miss you all.”
More than thirty people commented on the site’s Facebook page expressing their sorrow at seeing the Pink & Lily close.
Customer reaction
In a Facebook comment, Peter Dieckermann wrote: “I used to visit the Pink & Lily over fifty years ago before the alterations, a great pub”
Maggie Rogers wrote: “Vey sad news. Some of my happiness memories have been forged within those walls.”
Expressing further appreciation for the site and staff, another customer Jean Ashurst wrote on Facebook: “As much as your customers will miss you, you deserve a rest and to enjoy your retirement as you’ve worked hard all your life, wishing you well in your new venture and enjoy your retirement.”
Earlier this year (January), official date found more than 34 pubs a month shut last year in England and Wales, meaning numbers fell below 39,000 for the first time.
Analysis of Government figures showed pub closures rose by 6.7% in 2024 against 2023.
Budget impact
Furthermore, it found the overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including those vacant and being offered to let, fell to 38,989 in December - a drop of 412 compared with 39,401 at the same point in 2023.
Recent rising inflation figures also sparked closure concerns from operators.
Meanwhile, industry leaders warned the impact of the autumn Budget in October last year could cause further closures and job losses.
A letter to the Chancellor, which was signed by more than 200 sector voices, warned the £3.4bn cost hikes will cause business closures within a year, businesses to reconsider investment plans, jobs to be drastically cut and hours to be reduced.
