A POPULAR pub has confirmed its shock closure “until further notice” – with punters left devastated.
The Pink and Lily in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, has pulled its last pints after seven years in business under current management.
More than 400 boozers closed down last year across the UK[/caption]
English poet Rupert Brooke frequented the pub prior to the First World War[/caption]
It comes after more than 400 pubs closed across the UK last year as the country’s boozer count hit an all-time low.
Gastropub The Pink and Lily was once frequented by World War One poet Rupert Brooke – and was put on the market at the end of last year for £600,000.
The wordsmith is said to have enjoyed popping into the boozer during his walks through the Chiltern Hills prior to the outbreak of war in 1914.
A post on the pub’s Facebook page on Tuesday said: “Hey guys, so sorry to have to tell you but as from today the Pink has ceased trading until further notice.
“Thank you so much for all your support and friendship since I’ve been here over the last seven years. I’ll miss you all.”
One person among the dozens of commenters said: “What a shame. So sorry to read this as so many pubs are closing but lifestyles have changed dramatically & the rise in heating costs makes it too difficult for many business to survive.”
Another added: “Really sad to hear this. I have grown up with The Pink as our local and still visit 44 years on. So many good memories. You’ll be missed.”
In November 2024 the freehold of the pub was put up for sale.
The listing described it as being across two storeys, with a well-equipped kitchen and a sizeable beer garden that has space to accommodate 40 people.
Reports Bucks Free Press, Elysia Wilson-Gunn, Fleurets divisional director, said: “The Pink and Lily is a remarkable property, rich in heritage and character, with an enviable location in the Chilterns.
“Its connection to poet Rupert Brooke adds a timeless charm, making it not just a pub, but a piece of history.
“We’re delighted to bring such a rare freehold to the market, one that offers both historical significance and exciting potential for new owners.”
Last month, The Daily Telegraph listed its 10 best walks in the Chiltern Hills which all start and end at a “characterful pub”, including The Pink and Lily.
Referred to as the Rupert Brooke Walk in Parslow’s Hillock, the newspaper said: “This route explores the woodland to the east of Prince’s Risborough which he regularly crossed on the way to Wendover station.”
It begins with walkers turning right out of the boozer and then heading down the first left along Kiln Lane.
It ends by following the “maze of pathways” that loop back round across Hampden Common and to the pub once again.
400 PUBS SHUT IN 2024
Some 412 in England and Wales — around 34 a month — shut and were demolished or converted into homes, offices and nurseries.
That was a rise of 6.7 per cent compared to the previous year and the sharpest fall in numbers since 2021, when 444 pubs closed their doors.
A total of 2,074 pubs have gone in the past five years, analysis by the commercial real estate experts Altus Group found.
The overall number of boozers in England and Wales, including those vacant and offered to let, fell to a low of 38,989 according to Valuation Office Agency statistics.
Three years ago the hospitality sector was hit by Covid lockdowns and soaring energy prices.
This year rising costs and cautious spending has also hit the sector.
The British Beer and Pub Association reckons pubs face an additional £71million bill from April when employer National Insurance Contributions rise to 15 per cent.
And Altus calculates the reduction in the level of business rates discount from 75 to 40 per cent will cost £215million.
