Owners to review 'unviable' pub letting prices

Star Pubs said it would be "advertising a revised scheme" for the pub in the new year

A company that owns a Derbyshire pub is set to review its letting costs which have been labelled "financially unviable".

Mid Derbyshire MP Jonathan Davies met with campaigners Carol Holden and Chris Collins, who want their local pub in West Hallam - the Punch Bowl public house - to open after being closed since 2022.

The campaigners told Mr Davies that the pub became "financially unviable" after its owners, Star Pubs, increased its demands for rent and ingoing costs between July 2023 and November 2024.

A spokesperson from Star Pubs said: "We have recently reviewed the proposed investment scheme to see if it can be scaled back and for the costs involved for a new licensee reduced."

Jonathan Davies MP has met with campaigners Chris Collins (left) and Carol Holden

In November 2024, the estimated ingoing costs were £93,556 with £74,036 in annual rent costs.

West Hallam Parish Council applied to Erewash Borough Council for the pub, which was built in 1754, to become a Community Assets and was granted in August 2023.

"I am disappointed that Star Pubs has increased rents far beyond what is reasonable, but I am pleased it has indicated it will review the future of the property with a view to offering more attractive rent and lower ingoing costs for prospective tenants", said Davies.

"A pub like this can represent a fantastic community asset where people can meet, eat, drink, and socialise in the heart of the village.

"It would be a shame to lose what was a functional local business due to unaffordable costs being imposed on interested parties."

Star Pubs said it would be "advertising a revised scheme" for the pub in the new year.