AN HISTORIC pub is to close after serving customers for almost 500 years.
The Hole in the Wall started serving drinks in Cornwall in 1540, but is set to stop trading after it closes on April 13.
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The pub’s landlord, Richard Rossendale-Cook, blamed rising costs for forcing his hand.
He said: “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 pub, which is owned by the brewery that provides its beer, is being closed down as Mr Rossendale-Cook is no longer able to afford the rent.
In a Facebook post, the Hole in the Wall said, “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”.
People have responded with their disappointment of the announcement, writing “it will be greatly missed”.
Another user said the closure was “a shame for the community but inevitable with the cost of living crisis”.
The charm of the Torquay pub includes its cobbled floors and low-beam ceiling.
It was historically known to be a frequented spot for smugglers and pirates when it first opened in the 15th century.
Closure of historic pubs like The Hole in the Wall is raising concerns about the potential end of pubs without Government help.
This follows research which revealed more than 400 pubs across the UK closed in the last year.
One of those included the a branch of the iconic Hard Rock Cafe in Newcastle, which opened in May 2021.
Pubs are also set to face changes in their licensing laws from tomorrow, where takeaway pints will introduced during the pandemic will no longer be able to be sold.
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