14/10/2025
A Message from Ye Olde Inn
We would like to thank everyone who has supported the pub over the years. Ye Olde Inn has always been more than just a place to eat or drink — it’s been a space for friendship, community and local life.
Unfortunately, we’ve now reached a point where keeping the business open is no longer financially sustainable as a wet-led establishment.
Like many small businesses, we face regular and unavoidable costs — wages, energy bills, supplies, maintenance and stock. Over recent years, these costs have risen sharply, while customer numbers and spending have fallen. Despite our best efforts to diversify, including the introduction of a café/shop element, the recent viability assessment made it clear that this plan was not feasible for reasons unforeseen at the time of application.
It’s also clear that the needs and habits of society in 2025 have changed. The way people socialise, work and spend their leisure time has shifted dramatically; from cost-of-living pressures to lifestyle changes, remote working and a move away from traditional pub culture. These broader changes have made it increasingly difficult for small, independent pubs like ours to remain viable in their traditional form.
It’s important to remember that most pubs, while deeply valued as community spaces, are private businesses and not charities or government-funded services. This means they must be able to stand on their own financially. Without sufficient trade, it’s simply not possible to continue operating, pay staff or maintain the building safely.
Closing the doors is a very difficult decision but it’s also the responsible one. Continuing to run at a loss would only create further debt and hardship, without helping the long-term future of the business or the people involved.
We are pleased to note that we have managed to secure the darts teams with the valued support of Y Cross Cas-lai - The Cross Inn Hayscastle for the remainder of the season. All remaining games will be played at their community-led venue in Hayscastle, ensuring the league can continue to compete and enjoy the season as planned. We’re grateful to Y Cross for their generosity and community spirit.
We hope the local and wider community understands that this decision has not been made lightly. We are proud to have served the village for as long as we could and thank you sincerely for your support, loyalty and friendship over the years.
We’ll be stepping back for the remainder of this year to reflect and reconsider the Inn’s future in today’s changing regulatory, cultural and financial landscape.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Ye Olde Inn Team
