Popular town pub suddenly closes doors following two other closures leaving locals devastated
LOCALS have shared their devastation after popular town pub has shut due to an eyewatering rent rise.
The Castle Inn closed on January 6, leaving just eight pubs left in the town of 11,000 people.
It follows a string of recent hospitality closures in the area, with the Queen's Head and former Conservative Club shutting just 12 months ago.
The owners of the Castle Inn in Monmouth said they were forced to close the boozer after landlords decided to hike rents by 75%.
Owner Paul told the Monmouthshire Beacon that the landlord wanted to take the rent from £24,000 a year to £42,000.
He also revealed issues with one of the neighbours who "could smell food cooking and reported it to the environmental health officer".
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He added: "The Environmental Health Officer wanted an extension to the extractor chimney, which was going to cost a lot of money, plus there was no guarantee we’d get planning consent."
The publican had opened the venue back in 2020 with his business partner Carl Willett.
It was previously known as The Gloucestershire House but was renamed as part of the revamp.
Locals have branded the decision as "absolutely disgusting," with many horrified by the actions of both the landlord and neighbour.
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One said: "Shame on that landlord and neighbour - the Castle rescued a historic building, created a lovely beer garden, promoted local farm-to-plate sourcing with their meat supplier."
Another added: "How such an asset to the high street can be treated this way is beyond me."
While a third said: "This is very sad, a good pub lost, yet another empty premise."
The news comes amid a tough time for hospitality, with many pubs closing due to high rents and punters not having enough spare cash to spend.
Last week an award winning pub in Cheshire was forced to close.
The Nag's Head landlords said they were forced to wind down the operation due to the "current economic woes fuelled by government policy".
The owners outlined the situation that had squeezed them out of business.
They said: "The last government dealt our industry cruel blows; the current government has unrepentantly hammered the final nails into our coffin when we can least afford it – national insurance hikes for employers, further increases in the minimum wage (totalling 37% over the last 3 years), and the reduction of business rates relief (up by 35%).
"Add to that inherited interest rates - 300% up, utility costs - 300% up, cost of ingredients 200% up - you don't have to be a maths genius to work it out.
TROUBLE FOR UK PUBS
It comes as a number of popular pubs have closed due to customers having less money to spend.
Stonegate recently closed one of its branches in Ormesby St Margaret.
The Farmers ceased trading on New Year's Eve.
Stonegate has confirmed that they are recruiting for a new publican to run the business.
It came just one month after the pub giant said it would close The Bedford in Southampton.
The pub was a popular location for local students in the area and showed sport matches such as football and rugby.
The Grade II-listed building has been operating as a pub since the 1800s.
The Sun also reported that Boyzone's Shane Lynch and his Real Housewives of Cheshire star wife Sheena have closed their pub for good.
The D13 Irish bar in Knutsford, Cheshire closed after it was repossessed by the landlord.
No explanation has been given as to why the pub has closed.
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Named after Shane's Dublin postcode D13, the pub first welcomed boozers in April 2021.
After just three years in business, it closed for good on December 6, 2024.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses have been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa John's is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.