Use It or lose it! Soaring costs and drop in business leaves local pubs facing closure

MELKSHAM landlords are warning that some pubs are facing closure because of soaring costs and a drop in the number of customers. 

One pub owner has told Melksham News that business is ‘inconsistent’ and ‘unpredictable’, leaving them unsure each week if they will break even. Another has said that the pub trade is facing a ‘use it or lose it’ scenario; and is urging locals to pick independent pubs over well-known pub chains. 

The landlords have spoken out following a report in The Guardian this month that revealed there are fewer pubs in England and Wales than ever before. The recent drop in the number of pubs has been blamed on the after-effects of the Covid-19 lockdowns, record-high inflation and the soaring cost of energy. 

Locally, some pubs have already begun to make changes in order to survive. The Pig and Whistle pub, on Woodrow Road, which is owned by couple Kirtsy and Nathan Cortilla, announced last month that it was closing its pub kitchen permanently because of ‘not enough food trade’, alongside a reduction in its opening times. 

The couple, who also own the White Hart pub in Atworth, have warned that they are considering closing the pub if business does not improve. 

“We’re not even breaking even at the moment,” said Kirsty. “It is really hard, which is the same for all the independent pubs. We have had to close the kitchen at the Pig, which is purely because there is no one there – we were losing money, paying for staff wages, and other bills. We are at the point where we are thinking about having to close the Pig permanently. 

“The rise in the cost of living has had a huge impact. Our gas bill for two and a half months at the Pig was £2,800. Then on top of that you have council tax, wages, everything – we’re having to put on events, happy hours etc, all in an attempt to get people through the door, but no-one is coming.  

“The White Hart is ticking over, but we are not busy like we would normally be – we should be a hell of a lot busier.  

“It’s now a ‘use it or lose it’ scenario. We need people to choose independent pubs, such as ours, over chain pubs like Wetherspoons. The chain pubs can afford to buy their supplies in bulk and charge less to their customers – we are unable to do that. We’ll be closing our doors sooner rather than later if things carry on as they are.” 

Landlord of the Somerset Arms in Semington, John Adams said, “The rise in the cost of living is ridiculous – my electric bill has nearly trebled compared to what it was pre-Covid. Week on week it is touch and go whether we will break even. During the summer period we would normally aim to make a decent profit to get us through the winter when trade drops – so it is a worry.  

“Talking to other landlords and suppliers, they all say that it is quiet everywhere. Trade is very unpredictable – on one Wednesday evening you might have a full restaurant, and then the next Wednesday evening you have two people. I opened up for breakfasts this morning – my chef only cooked breakfast for me. 

“We need people to come out, have a drink, something to eat – enjoy the atmosphere of being in a pub.”