A COUNTRYSIDE pub with a 400 year history is set to close with its owner blaming rising costs.
Joshua Johnson took over The Bell Inn pub in Monkleigh, Devon, in May last year but says it has become impossible to keep trading.
He made the painful announcement to customers on Facebook, with the venue set to close in a little over a week.
The post read: “It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we must inform you that The Bell Inn, Monkleigh, will be closing its doors for good on Sunday, 12th January, for the foreseeable future.
“I personally don’t know myself what will be happening with the bell once we depart.
“This decision has not been an easy one, but due to current trade levels and the rising costs of running the business, we are no longer able to operate effectively.”
The Bell Inn describes itself as a traditional pub that dates from the 17th century.
Its thatched roof, classic pub interior, and garden with views across the countryside make the venue a classic example of a Devon countryside pub.
When Josh initially took over the pub, he told DevonLive he had high hopes of building the tavern up and attracting more customers but it has sadly proved too great a task for him to accomplish.
The post continues: “We will continue to operate during our normal hours up until our final day, though no additional stock will be ordered for either drinks or the main menu.
“However, we will still be serving our final Sunday carvery on 5th January 2025.
“On behalf of myself, Josh, and the team here at The Bell Inn, we would like to thank you all for your incredible support during our time here.”
Fans of the venue were quick to post under the announcement, with many describing their sadness at its imminent closure.
One said: “Sad to hear this… Wishing you all the best for future ventures.”
Another added: “Absolutely gutted, your food was awesome Josh and team!”
A third said: “So sad, loved coming for the carvery, were planning more visits”.
Others were quick to take aim at tax changes as the root cause of small businesses closing.
One person commented: “Unfortunately this just the start.
“The changes to NI and the minimum wage going up 16% imposed on small businesses by this so called business-friendly government has made it very difficult for small businesses to remain in business.”
Another spoke against declining footfall, saying: “If you don’t use it you lose it.
“They need customers to survive.”
This comes as more than 400 pubs closed in England and Wales last year, with the number of UK boozers falling to an all-time low.
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 2023 and the sharpest fall in numbers since 2021, when 444 pubs closed their doors.
A total of 2,074 pubs closed in the five years to 2024, 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.
