1,200-year-old pub is fighting for survival amid cost of living crisis

A PUB said to have been serving customers for 1,200 years is fighting for survival because of soaring energy costs.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks survived world wars and recessions but co-owner Sam Walker says winter will be a test.

His general manager, Ronan Gaffney, added: “It’s outrageously more expensive.

"It’s not like at home where you can turn everything off but the fridge and freezer.

“We can’t cut down on energy bills but are being charged double.”

"Our light bill is 10 times more than what it is in a house because at home you can turn off all the lights except the one you're in.

"But you can't do that in a pub.

He added: "Winter for a lot of pubs, like my own, is the quiet season.

"If pubs don't have an infrastructure or financial backing then I can imagine that a lot of them will struggle."

He called on the Government to offer help so pubs like his — in St Albans, Herts — survive.