A FAMILY-run pub that has been the beating heart of its community for years is closing for good with staff made redundant.
Last orders were called at The Oak in Upton Snodsbury, near Worcester, for the final time on Monday (April 20), when its owners announced that rising costs have meant their pub will close for good.
Louise and Mark Baker, who had taken over the pub 14 years ago, had been desperately trying hard not to be one of the many pubs that have closed due to economic pressures.
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However, the pub’s future became no longer feasible due to further increases in gas and oil prices since the Iran war.
“We didn’t want to be one of those pubs,” said Mrs Baker, talking about the current pub closures across the industry.
“We have really felt it – the financial nail in the coffin has been the war.
“You are burying your head in the sand, saying everything will soon be okay, but when forecasting the future, it’s just no longer viable.”
The two run The Oak in Upton Snodsbury and The Twisted Spoon in Worcester – but revealed its Friar Street business will remain open.
“[The Oak] is a big space to heat and light, so unless we are working at 110% everyday, it is not making any difference.
“We feel we cannot grow the business fast enough.”
Mrs Baker found that, even though the pub is regularly busy, even the busiest periods would not cover growing costs.
The Oak has been faced with rising business rates, tax hikes and wage inflation in recent years.
The couple had also looked to sell the pub but blamed a “terrible time for the economy”, putting many potential buyers off.
Mrs Baker added: “We have been here for 14 years – we are not a flash in the pan business.
“We have celebrated weddings, birthdays and other milestones and everyone has a history with this local pub.
“It extends quite far on the main road and has been a regular meeting place buy it is not enough.”
She added that the current climate is depressing but she hopes their Worcester business, The Twisted Spoon, will still do well in its city location.
“There is a glimmer of hope that by downsizing, [The Twisted Spoon] can do well and it will have smaller running costs,” she said.