Beloved pub with 170-year history to shut for good leaving landlord ‘devastated’
A MUCH-LOVED pub with a 170-year history is shutting for good leaving its landlord “devastated”.
The popular establishment is planning a closing party with “last night deals on offer”.
The Station Inn in Nantgarw Road, Caerphilly, officially closes its doors on Saturday, April 26.
In a post shared on Facebook, a pub spokesperson revealed the situation is “out of our control”.
They penned: “I’m devastated to tell you all that The Station Inn will close its doors for the last time on April 26 and our lovely welcoming warm and friendly pub will be no longer open as a public house.
“This is not our decision, not something we want or haven’t fought for.
“Unfortunately, the landowner has his reasons and it’s out of our control.
“The last three months have made me cry, chuckle, bang my head against the wall, stick my head in the glass washer, drink a fireball whiskey shot and beam with pride.
“What a bunch of amazing people we have met, grown to love and will miss terribly.”
They added: “We will go out in style though and our closing night party will be one to remember.
“We will advertise the plan shortly and all the last night deals on offer. Let’s drain the barrels dry!
“May as well go out with a bang and dance our feet sore.
“Memories, family, friendship and loyalty.”
They then said they had heard “so many stories about family weddings, christenings, wakes, birthday parties and anniversaries over the years” that had been “emotional”.
The spokesperson signed off: “Save the tears for the last night!
“Thank to Ceri, Lori, Sarah, Anna, Kai and Caitlin for your company, hard work and banter as it has made it all the more fun. Donna & Hayley.”
One person commented: “A fantastic pub back in the day and met some lifelong friends there.”
Another wrote: “You should be so proud of yourself girls, gave it your all and it’s something everyone will appreciate.”
A third chimed in: “Sad to see it close after the hard work you guys have put in.”
While a fourth shared: “So very sorry to hear this.
“I have thousands of very good memories from here and will be very sad to see it close.”
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.
This follows the news that The Gun, in Homerton, East London has been forced to close after 160 years in business.
Meanwhile, The Gartocher Pub, in Glasgow’s East End announced its closure after 87 years.
An estimated six pubs closed their doors every week last year, leading to around 4,500 job losses, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.
Many closures are due to higher energy costs, rent increases, and higher borrowing costs.