A popular pub in Bromley Cross has made the difficult decision to close its doors after four years in business following the rising energy costs and a 'major fire'.
Landlord of The Railway in Bromley Cross Mike Hales says that prior to a fire destroying their electrics and equipment in the food storage area, they were already grappling with rising costs of energy.
He says the costs have increased so much that electric has increased from £2,500 to £10k a month, and gas has gone from £1k-£4k a month.
The pub was forced to close on December 30 following a fire involving a tumble drier, before temporarily opening the bar for drinks.
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This was one of the busiest trading seasons for the pub.
Mike said: “It just became unsustainable.
“We have tried to keep things going for around six months, and then the fire came along at the wrong time after going through Covid as well.
“We were determined to get through it.
“But it got to the point where we had to step back.
“Unless we charge £10-£15 for a pint it is not going to cover our overheads.”
He says that he is “gutted” and that the team who have been there are said to be “heartbroken”.
Mike said: “I am gutted, and I haven’t slept all night.
“The team are all heartbroken.
“But it has put so much stress on my health mentally and physically over the last six months, it’s a release of pressure and fighting to keep it open.”
He also says that the staff have been 'on-board' and aware of the electric issues, so it wasn’t a surprise.
Mike still has a hotel in Wales that he visits, and he is planning to take a year off so that for his health and wellbeing.
Before the pub became part of the community, it was a derelict building and has undergone a huge transformation.
Mike added: “We brought that pub back to life after it was derelict for years and was in disrepair.
“We invested in The Railway, and it really helped start the regeneration of pubs and restaurants in Bromley Cross.
“But it’s the Government who are doing this to us because we were still quite busy.”
The Railway is not the only pub to be affected by the rise in energy prices.
More than 32 pubs disappeared from communities in England and Wales each month in 2022 as rocketing energy bills and staffing pressures forced businesses to shut for the final time.
Nevertheless, the number of pubs shutting their doors for good was 13.1 per cent lower than recorded in 2021, reflecting a more resilient year for UK pub-goers despite the turbulent economic backdrop.
Joe’s coffee – which is on the grounds of the pub - is still expected to run at least for the next few months, and is back open from tomorrow (Thursday January 19).
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