BOOZER GONE
Popular pub shuts leaving drinkers saying they’re ‘sorry to see an icon go’
Plus other popular pub closures
A POPULAR pub has announced its shock closure after pouring pints for more than 400 years.
Punters have been left devastated after ancient boozer confirmed it will finally pull down the shutters for good.
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The Pack Horse Inn is a historic traditional pub in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.
It claims to have been pouring pints since 1610, which makes it the town's oldest watering hole.
However, after operating for so many years, the management posted a notice to the pub's Facebook page warning punters of the closure on March 2.
They wrote: "It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of The Pack Horse on March 2.
more pub closures
"This iconic pub means so many things to so many people and it’s been a difficult decision."
They signed off by thanking all their local customers.
";We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, past and present, for their support, friendship and banter.
"We wish you all the best for the future and hope to see you over the next two weekends."
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Hoards of people flocked to lament the loss in the comments section - with many sharing fond memories of sinking pints there.
One sad customer said: "Really sorry to see the closure of this iconic pub, it’s been a part of my life since the seventies.
"Sleepovers in the beater's hut & later our local for the last thirty years.
"We will never forget your input during lockdown, the fruit & veg, Heptonstall opera & the other things we can’t talk about!"
Another person said: "So sad to hear this. It's a long way for us to travel so we are occasional visitors but we love this place."
A third heartbroken customer wrote: "Devastated for this, another renowned destination gone by the wayside."
Meanwhile, a popular pub in Buckinghamshire has suffered the fate The Hole in the Wall hopes to avoid.
The Pink and Lily in Princes Risborough has pulled its last pint after seven years in business.
It comes after more than 400 pubs closed across the UK last year as the country's boozer count hit an all-time low.
400 PUBS SHUT IN 2024
Some 412 in England and Wales — around 34 a month — shut and were demolished or converted into homes, offices and nurseries.
That was a rise of 6.7 per cent compared to the previous year and the sharpest fall in numbers since 2021, when 444 pubs closed their doors.
A total of 2,074 pubs have gone in the past five years, analysis by the commercial real estate experts Altus Group found.
The overall number of boozers in England and Wales, including those vacant and offered to let, fell to a low of 38,989 according to Valuation Office Agency statistics.
Three years ago, the hospitality sector was hit by Covid lockdowns and soaring energy prices.
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This year, rising costs and cautious spending have also hit the sector.
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 had 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 Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
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