LAST ORDERS
Beloved 350-year-old pub announces sudden closure as locals mourn loss
Has a pub near you closed down? We'd love to hear from you please email: [email protected]
LOCALS have shared their devastation after a pub which has been in the community for 350 years has closed.
The Blacksmiths Arms in York, Naburn told customers it would close this week.
1
The venue claims to have been running for over three centuries and has been the only pub in the small village of 500 people since 1822.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the owners of the venue said, "Due to a fall in trade over the past year."
They said: "To all our customers. Due to a fall in trade over the past year, it is with a heavy heart that we have unfortunately been left with no option but to close our doors for the time being.
"We will of course keep you updated as to when we will be able to open again.
read more on money
"We want to thank everyone who has supported us through the years, it has meant the world to us and we hope to see you again soon."
Locals have branded the closure as "terrible" and said it was a "great pub" with "lovely staff".
One disheartened customer said: "That’s so very sad. We’ve had great food there for many years and we’ve always received a warm welcome."
While another added: "So sorry to hear this news. For you all. Hope things improve later to enable it to reopen."
Most read in Money
A third upset local said: "Very sad, for you and for us. A village isn't really a village without a pub."
And a fourth said they would it was one of their "favourite Sunday dinner spots."
Historic Glasgow pub known for its cheap pints & famous customers sold
While a fifth posted: "That’s so very sad. We’ve had great food there for many years and we’ve always received a warm welcome.
"Wishing you and your staff a very big thank you for your excellent service. All the best for the future."
"Terrible news," another wrote.
Locals will now have to make the 1.8mile journey to the next closest pub which is located in Hauling.
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.
The Castle Inn located in Monmouth closed on January 6, leaving just eight pubs left in the town of 11,000 people.
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".
Last week an award winning pub in Cheshire was also 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 because customers have less money to spend.
Stonegate recently closed one of its branches in Ormesby St Margaret.
The Farmers Arms 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.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
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.
Topics