Pubs Closing Every Day

Every day in 2025, across England, Wales, and Scotland, a pub closes its doors for good. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimates that by the end of this year, 378 pubs will have shut down. That’s one pub lost every single day. Official government data shows the closure rate is even higher in England and Wales, with eight pubs closing each week. As the landlord of The Sycamore Tree, I want to share what this means for us, why it’s happening, and why your support matters now more than ever.

The Reality Facing Pubs Like The Sycamore Tree

Running a pub today is tougher than it’s ever been. The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) recently surveyed its members and found that 35% fear they might have to close permanently if the government doesn’t ease the tax burden. Another survey from late 2024 revealed that one in four independent pubs could fail because of rising costs introduced in the Autumn Budget. These include higher employment costs and increased business rates, which have pushed 80% of pubs into unprofitability.

At The Sycamore Tree, we aren't immune to these costs. Energy bills climb, food and drink prices rise, and wages increase to meet minimum wage laws. This means our financial burden has grown significantly, just when many of you are tightening your budgets due to the increased cost of living.

Why Are Pubs Closing at Such an Alarming Rate?

Several factors combine to create this perfect storm for pubs:

Energy bills have soared, tripling compared to a few years ago. Food and drink inflation means we pay more for the ingredients and beverages you enjoy. Employer National Insurance contributions and minimum wage increases add to the wage bill.

High Taxation

Pubs operate in one of the most heavily taxed industries. Roughly one-third of every pound spent in a pub goes straight to taxes. This leaves less money to cover rent, wages, and maintenance. The United Kingdom has a full 20% VAT on hospitality, while the EU average is between 10-13%. This can make services more expensive in the UK compared to other European countries.

Reduced Consumer Spending

With the cost-of-living crisis, many people have less disposable income. This means fewer visits to pubs, less spending on food and drinks, and a drop in overall trade.

What Losing Pubs Means for Communities

Pubs like The Sycamore Tree are more than just places to grab a drink. We are community hubs where friendships form, celebrations happen, and local stories are shared. When a pub closes, it’s not just a business lost — it’s a piece of the community that disappears.

Local pubs support jobs, local suppliers, and tourism. They provide a safe, welcoming space for people of all ages. Losing pubs means fewer social spaces, less community connection, and a decline in local culture.

The Sycamore Tree pub entrance with traditional wooden sign and flower boxes

How You Can Help Keep The Sycamore Tree Open

Your support is crucial in keeping The Sycamore Tree thriving. Here are some ways you can help:

• Visit Regularly

Every pint, meal, or coffee you buy helps cover our rising costs. Even a quick stop-in makes a difference.

• Bring Friends and Family

Sharing The Sycamore Tree with others introduces new customers and spreads the word about our community pub.

• Join Events and Activities

We host quiz nights every second Sunday of the month at 7pm. Participating keeps the pub lively and supports our income while helping to raise money for charity - currently, we support Velindre Cancer Care.

• Share Your Feedback

Let us know what you want from your local pub. Your ideas help us improve and stay relevant.

• Support Local Suppliers

When you enjoy local produce, such as lamb and beef supplied by Pwll yr Wrach Farm in Colwinston, you help the wider community economy.

What We Are Doing to Adapt

At The Sycamore Tree, we are working hard to manage these challenges. We have taken steps to reduce energy use, negotiate better supplier deals, and adjust our menu to balance quality with affordability. We are also exploring new ways to connect with you, such as online ordering and takeaway options.

But these efforts can only go so far without your continued support and a fairer business environment. We urge policymakers to recognize the vital role pubs play and to reduce the tax and financial pressures that threaten our survival.

A Shared Future for The Sycamore Tree

The future of The Sycamore Tree relies on all of us. If pubs continue to close at the current rate, we risk losing more than just a place to drink. We lose community spirit, local jobs, and a part of our heritage.

I'm aware that I don't want this post to be all doom and gloom. We are fortunate here at The Sycamore Tree that we are doing okay. However, to achieve this, we have had to make some tough decisions that everyone might not agree with, such as maintaining our reduced opening hours (closed Monday and Tuesday, and not opening until 5pm during the week). I hope this blog helps you understand more of the behind-the-scenes issues we are facing and why we have had to make these decisions.

I invite you to stand with us. Come in, enjoy a meal or a drink, bring your friends, and be part of keeping The Sycamore Tree alive and well. Together, we can face these challenges and ensure this pub remains a welcoming place for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of our story.