Hearing the bad news that The Chimneys in Willington is set to shut later this month got me thinking about how many boozers have bitten the dust in two years.
Mudgie’s excellent closed pubs blog highlights just how bad the problem is and how much history has been lost…
If current ratios are to believed then, bearing in mind I have been blogging for around two years, around half of the 432 boozers and clubs I’ve visited should have bitten the dust.
However, the “good news” is that only six (to my knowledge) have fallen by the wayside.
And even one of those, The Weighbridge Inn in Burton is making a comeback under the auspices of Muirhouse Brewery so, it’s only five.
Of course, clearly the pub industry is under the cosh and pubs are evolving but it’s not all bad news although it is hard to tell a pattern beyond big pubcos cutting costs.
Take The Chimneys for example; a former social club under the shadows of the huge cooling towers that dominate the skyline it had a good group of punters when I visited in May and seemed close enough to chimney pots to survive.
The Rose And Crown in Chellaston was under the cosh from Lidl for about two years and eventually Marston’s and the local council decided they would ignore a residents action group and build a Lidl on the A514 to support the burgeoning supermarket scene which has a Tesco/Co-Op and Aldi within a two minutes car drive!
The Old Cottage Tavern was a case of Tadcaster Brewery disposing of their boozers and this was one of the last to go, which was a pity as the boozer sold great beer
and was a real backstreet classic.
Olde Royal Oak was in the market place in central Burton and, to be honest, served average beer, when I visited. With an ever shrinking market then maybe the clientele weren’t there but, once again, it was owned by one of the big boys.
The Tollgate Tap At the Post House in central Derby arrived in a blaze of publicity as venue selling lots of food and drink and Tollgate Brewery were in the mix. Less than 12 months later the concept was finished, which was a shame but maybe its location wasn’t quite right.
Finally, The Weighbridge Inn has closed twice so the portents aren’t good for this Micropub that hasn’t been open that long. Muirhouse Brewery are the latest to try and make a go of it and I wish them every success but tucked away on a car park near to the station means you are competing against some classic Burton pubs nearby.
No doubt more will fall by the wayside but plenty are keeping their heads above water at present.
An interesting and slightly different post and goes to show there are many reasons why a pub closes its doors for the last time. Regarding The weighbridge Inn competing against some classic Burton pubs, personally I would go for the Micro everytime, but then I may differ a bit from the norm. Of the few I’ve tried I have found Muirhouse beers to be quite decent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you and I think that’s why – aside from the classic Burton boozers – a lot of their others are hitting the wall. Lots of new bottle shop style places and Brewery taps opening and plenty of room for that in Burton
LikeLike
“However, the “good news” is that only six (to my knowledge) have fallen by the wayside.”
That’s because you visit ‘choice’ establishments. 🙂
“And even one of those, The Weighbridge Inn in Burton is making a comeback under the auspices of Muirhouse Brewery so, it’s only five.”
I remember that sign in the photo. It’s quite distinctive.
“although it is hard to tell a pattern beyond big pubcos cutting costs.”
No comment.
“and eventually Marston’s and the local council decided they would ignore a residents action group and build a Lidl on the A514”
The A514? Do they not know about the A514? Sheesh.
“but, once again, it was owned by one of the big boys.”
Ok, I see your point about big pubcos.
“No doubt more will fall by the wayside but plenty are keeping their heads above water at present.”
About the only good way to present that is… capitalism at its finest.
Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
The A514 is indestructible! As one falls so another will replace it!!! 😉🍻
LikeLike
I like the way you think! (thumbs up)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have my moments 😉
LikeLike
Also thought it was an interesting post. Quite a low closure rate from your sample, more must have opened in your area too. Are you attempting to beat Martin’s record for the most blogs in a week?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think percentage wise openings are in the ascendancy, which is a good thing 👍 it was on the agenda but am now in Malta on holiday so a week’s hiatus is looming
LikeLiked by 1 person
Go to Kapitali 67 in Valletta to try the Lord Chambray beers from (lovely) Gozo. Went there in March but suspect it will be a lot warmer there now. Have a great time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers Duncan 🍻🍻 I’m in tow with Mrs BB and ankle biters so may be cisk only 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Richard and Martin both blogged a few times from there
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great endorsement
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve lost half of ours in the last 10 years ( 4 pubs and a working men’s club) with another constantly changing hands.
Times are tough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed! What area is that pal?
LikeLike
Pelsall, just outside Walsall
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah right yeah I reckon the black country has been hit as hard as anywhere. I drive through coseley yesterday and that looked like it had lost a few
LikeLiked by 1 person