A POPULAR seaside pub in an English resort town is set to close within weeks after pouring pints for 500 years.
The ancient boozer has been battling money troubles for a while, and its time could now finally be up.
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The Hole in the Wall is an historic pub in Torquay, Devon, south-west England.
It claims to have been pouring pints since 1540, which makes it the town’s oldest watering hole.
The pub prides itself on a ye olde atmosphere, created by its cobbled floors and low-beamed ceilings.
It has been a regular hangout of smugglers and business people alike, according to the owners.
But now, this champion of tradition is under threat.
The management posted a notice to the pub’s Facebook page warning punters the end could be nigh.
They wrote: “As many of you are already aware, the pub has been going through some financial difficulties recently, putting us at serious risk of closure.”
The message said that the publicans have until mid April “to get [their] affairs in order”.
So, it expects to trade until at least then.
They signed off by thanking the locals for their “patience and understanding”.
The post was shared many times on the social media site by people wanting to spread the word – and perhaps drum up support.
Hoards of people flocked to lament the loss in the comments section – with many sharing fond memories of sinking pints there.
Michael Kinton wrote: “Great pub what a terrible shame if it closes.”
Similarly, Keith Gatfield said: “A tragedy if this pub closes. An oasis in a Torquay sea of fizz these days. Had some great times here, especially in the outside drinking area.”
Others struggled to believe the news after recent visits when the pub seemed in good shape.
Adam Shewry asked: “Why is it closing? Was busy last weekend there.”
Andrew Mills said the pub was “bouncing” when he last checked in.
As the mid-April deadline approaches, the pub continues to be beset by issues.
A post on March 6 informed customers that only cash was being accepted in the bar and restaurant.
Meanwhile, a popular pub in Buckinghamshire has suffered the fate The Hole in the Wall hopes to avoid.
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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.
This year rising costs and cautious spending has also hit the sector.
The British Beer and Pub Association reckons pubs face an additional £71million bill from April when employer National Insurance Contributions rise to 15 per cent.
And Altus calculates the reduction in the level of business rates discount from 75 to 40 per cent will cost £215million.
