PUNTERS have been left devastated after a beloved pub has announced it is set to close within weeks.
Serving its final customers on Sunday, April 6, the Wheatsheaf Inn, in Onneley, Staffordshire, announced it will be closing due to rising costs.
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Sharing the sad news on its Facebook page, the country pub announced: “Like so many in the hospitality industry, we have faced relentless increases in costs, making it impossible to continue operating in the current climate.”
“Despite our best efforts, the challenges have simply become unsustainable.”
“We want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to every one of you.”
“Whether you are one of our back bar regulars, dined in our restaurant, celebrated special occasions with us, or simply popped in for a beer, we have truly appreciated your custom and support.”
“We’ll be here until Sunday 6 April and we’d love for you to join us in making the most of our final weeks.”
“Let’s raise a glass together and celebrate the memories made at The Wheatsheaf.”
“Thank you for everything, we will miss you all. With heartfelt appreciation. All the team at The Sheaf.”
Punters have been left devastated at the news, with many sharing their own memories at the pub.
One person wrote: “It would have been 6 years this year that we had our wedding with you guys (Mr and Mrs Allcock).
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
“I say it time and time again that you gave us the most perfect day and for that reason The Wheatsheaf Inn, Onneley will remain in my fondest memories forever.”
“Such a special place with wonderful staff. I’m so sorry to be reading this.”
Another said: “So sorry to hear this news. You’ve served me and my various shooting parties exceptionally well over the past 20 plus years and it always felt like a family reunion when we saw the same familiar faces serving us at various times of the day, year after year.
“Loads of very happy memories to cherish . Thank you to everyone past and present for looking after us so well and can I wish you all the very best for your respective futures.”
While a third wrote: “Noooo. Gutted for you all. Such a lovely pub and restaurant and holds lots of memories for us as a family.”
“Celebrated lots of special occasions with you guys. Birthdays, our engagement and our wedding day.”
And a fourth said: “Such an amazing year working here. absolutely devastated but so happy i got to work here im going to miss it.”
Approximately six pubs shut their doors for good every week last year, leading to an estimated 4,500 job losses, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
The closures come amid pressure from higher borrowing costs and high energy bills for businesses, alongside a continued squeeze on household finances as mortgage and rent costs increase.
Pubs are set to come under further pressure when a raft of cost increases linked to the October Budget, such as higher National Insurance contributions (NIC), and an increase in the minimum wage, come into force in April.
Employers currently pay NICs for most workers earning more than £9,100 a year.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.
“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.
“We’re right behind Labour’s mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep their doors open.
“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities.”
The latest data means that the number of pubs in England and Wales dropped from 47,613 in 2019 to 45,345 in 2024, the BBPA said.
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