The pub, which is almost 500 years-old, served its final pints on Sunday 13 April. The pub is owned by Stonegate but was leased to publican Rossendale-Cook.
HMRC issued a winding up petition against Torquay’s Oldest Pub Limited, of which Rossendale-Cook is a director. The Winding up Order was dated Wednesday 16 April 2025.
The publican told ITV that rising costs and changing consumer habits had forced him to close the doors.
Great sadness
On the pubs’ Facebook page it said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the Hole in The Wall will cease trading from the close of Sunday 13 April 2025.
“We’d like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created, to add to the centuries’ more storied history here at the Hole.”
HMRC does not comment on identifiable individuals or businesses due to confidentiality rules but it issued a general statement.
A HMRC spokesperson told the Morning Advertiser (The MA): “We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and only file winding-up petitions once we’ve exhausted all other options, in order to protect taxpayers’ money.”
Committed to future
However, a Stonegate spokesman told The MA: “We are committed to the long-term future of the pub.”
Customers were concerned about the closure on social media
One customer said: “Real shame if it disappears altogether.”
Another said: “Well this is a shame for the community but inevitable with the cost-of-living crisis. Five years ago I would have considered buying it but the industry is in dire straits with this Government.”
The historic site, which is recognised as one of Britain’s oldest pubs, first opened in around 1540 - the same year Henry VIII married and divorced his fourth wife.
The pub has cobbled floors and low-beamed ceilings, and was a regular for smugglers.
