Latest news with #HoleintheWall
Metro
22-04-2025
- Business
- Metro
Pub open when King Henry VIII divorced his fourth wife closes after 485 years
One of Britain's oldest pubs has called last orders after nearly 500 years pulling pints. First opened in 1540, the Hole in the Wall, in Torquay, Devon, is older than Shakespeare and the United Kingdom. It's survived two World Wars and 22 monarchs, spanning from King Henry VIII to the the invention of Bitcoin and the iPhone. But the 485-year-old pub hasn't survived the rising costs plaguing Britain. Hole in the Wall just can't afford its rent. 'I'm very, very sad, of course I'd like to carry on', pub landlord Richard Rossendale-Cook, 81, told ITV News last month. 'But unless somebody comes up – a Russian oligarch or someone will give me £360,000 to go and pay off the bill, you know – you're gonna shut and that's the end of it.' More than 400 pubs closed across England and Wales last year, despite consumer spending at bars, pubs and clubs rising 3.6% from 2023. Rossendale-Cook blames changing habits and competition from low-price chains for declining footfall. Even being a historic landmark and tourist destination doesn't appear to have helped. He said: 'It might be that the world is just totally changing. [People say] 'oh I love your pub, I've never been anywhere like it' – but they don't come back. They've been in here, they've got the T-shirt and that's it. 'It might just be the costs and everything, unless the government steps in and helps publicans out or breweries out or whatever, it could really be the end.' Hole in the Wall closed its doors on Sunday, April 13, prompting an outpouring of grief from locals. One of them, Malcolm Gleave, wrote on Facebook: 'You were one of the reasons we chose Torquay. I am so disappointed. The food was great.' Another, Richard Beasley, said: 'Gutted, wishing you all the very best for the future! Thank you for all the great memories over the years where we've spent each night whilst their.' Announcing the closure on Facebook last month, the pub said: 'We'd like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created, to add to the centuries' more storied history here at the Hole.' One of London's historic pubs unexpectedly closed in February. Ye Olde Swiss Cottage had been a fixture on the Finchley Road roundabout since 1830. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) called on government intervention to halt the 'avoidable' scale of closures. Its CEO Emma McClarkin said in February: '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.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Major supermarket confirms store closure in latest blow to struggling high street MORE: Popular discount store announces more store closures in blow to high street MORE: When is VE Day 2025 and what celebrations are planned for the 80th anniversary?
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Last orders at one of Britain's oldest pubs as it is forced to close because of increased running costs after nearly 500 years
One of the oldest pubs in the country has been forced to close after nearly half a millenium in business. Hole in the Wall in Torquay, Devon, first opened its doors in 1540 but has closed due to increased running costs. Pub landlord Richard Rossendale-Cook, 81, said rising costs had forced his hand in the decision. Speaking last month, he told ITV News: 'I'm very very sad, of course I'd like to carry on.' 'But unless somebody comes up - a Russian oligarch or someone will give me £360,000 to go and pay off the bill, you are going to shut and that's the end of it.' The brewery-owned pub is being closed down as Mr Rossendale-Cook is no longer able to afford the rent. On March 26, the pub's Facebook page posted: 'It is with great sadness that we announce that the Hole In The Wall will cease trading from the close of Sunday, 13th April 2025. 'We'd like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created, to add to the centuries' more storied history here at the Hole.' Richard estimated he had paid the brewery £1.2million in rent and beer over the past seven years. But he said declining numbers of people eating in the pub restaurant had contributed to financial difficulties. The pub was known for live music being played in the premises on seven nights a week. The Hole in the Wall has survived the English Civil War and the Second World War and Richard said he hoped that this would not be the end for the pub. Last year the number of pubs in the country fell to its lowest level in a century. More than one pub a day closed its doors to leave just 38,989, the smallest figure since records began in 1990. But the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) believes the scale of the crisis is far greater – estimating the last time there were so few watering holes in England and Wales was a century ago. Some 412 pubs were demolished or converted into shops or flats over the year to December, according to analysis of Government statistics by property consultancy Altus. This is the sharpest plunge in pub numbers since 2021, when venues were crippled by Covid rules and rampant energy prices. Disappointed punters reacted to news of the historic pub's closure on X. One user wrote: 'Surely the town council should protect these sorts of things? 500 years, gone. People will stop visiting these places if we allow all the history to be erased.' Another said: 'Hopefully it gets bought and remains the knocked down for a Turkish barbers or vape shop.' Another user wrote: 'An absolute disgrace. Does this pub not constitute a historic building to be preserved?' Taking to Facebook, more locals spoke of their disappointment at the loss of the pub. One said: 'So we are loosing a real pub, one without big sports screens and gambling machines dominating the place. A place to chat with people from around the country and around the world who have found the Hole. 'The local musicians brought great atmosphere to this unique pub in Torquay; it will be greatly missed.'
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
10 arrested for trespassing after gunfire investigation in Patterson's 'The Hole in the Wall' tunnel
( Patterson Police Services announced the arrest of 10 people after deputies discovered their recreational vehicles were not only on private property but that the individuals had also driven through the forbidden tunnel, known as 'The Hole in the Wall' on Saturday. Video Above: Property Crime Statistics Deputies with Patterson Police Services and Stanislaus Sheriff responded to reports of gunfire coming from the unincorporated area around 2:00 p.m. on March 29. After deeming the shooting activity to be lawful, deputies air unit found the group of trespassers in the area west of I-5, according to Patterson Police. Modesto man convicted of committing violent crime spree in Stanislaus County The tunnel is located in an unincorporated area of Patterson, where trespassing is not allowed, officials said. A total of nine vehicles including trucks, trailers, side-by-side vehicles and 1 quad were towed from the area. Patterson Police Services said all occupants were arrested and taken to jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
