Beloved 200-year-old pub confirms closure with heartbreaking message after locals launched urgent campaign to save it
The Hare and Hounds in Clayton-Le-Moors, Lancashire, pulled its final pint this week, with the owners bidding an emotional goodbye to punters.
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"Good afternoon all you beautiful people," began landlady Clare in a post on Facebook.
"Well today is our last day open we will be open from 12. So why not pop down for one last drink and to say farewell."
Clare added: "Me and the family would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to you all for all of your custom and support and love you have all shown us."
The landlady also called out the pub owner, Thwaites, saying it "can't see just how important the pub is to the community."
"We would also like to say a big thank you to all of the bands that we have had on and shown us all their love and support and enjoyed playing for us as we have loved every minute of it," Clare also wrote.
She concluded by writing: "So let's raise one last drink to the Hare and Hounds and the memories we have of there today."
The Sun contacted Thwaites by email on Tuesday afternoon for comment.
Thwaites had told The Sun in April: 'After a significant period working with a very good local operator, we've made the decision to close the Hare and Hounds pub in Clayton-le-Moors, given the costs associated with running the venue.
"The implications of the Chancellor's Autumn Budget have only further contributed to this decision.
'We aim to market the pub for sale shortly and have no plans to impose a restrictive covenant on the sale.
'We remain committed to our other pubs in the area, including our two pubs in Accrington – The Grey Horse and The Victoria, which have both benefited from refurbishment investment over the past two years.'
They added that they have "no plans to impose a restrictive covenant on the sale", meaning the new owners don't have to keep the site as a pub and locals could lose their favourite watering hole.
Gutted locals had launched a last-ditch campaign to save the 200-year-old community boozer.
Regular Liam Loughlin started a petition to save the pub through a group called, Friends of the Hare and Hounds, when he heard the news.
He wrote: "It's not just a pub [...] it's a place to laugh, cry, sing and dance for all members of the community no matter what your background is.'
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
Almost 700 people had put their names to the petition seeking to rescue the Hare and Hounds.
A spokesperson for the campaign group explained how the pub's closure would impact both staff and punters.
They said: 'For generations, the Hare and Hounds has been more than just a pub — it has been a gathering place where friendships are formed, local events are celebrated, and a true sense of belonging is fostered.
'The impact of this decision extends far beyond the loss of a public house.
"It threatens the livelihoods of the dedicated staff who have poured their hearts into making the Hare and Hounds the welcoming establishment it is today.
Many of these employees now face uncertainty, which will undoubtedly take a toll on their mental health and well-being.
"Losing a job is never easy, but losing a job in a place that feels like family is even more devastating.'
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