Landlord fighting 'looming closure' of 200-year-old pub

Dale Smith (centre) has been looking for ways to increase footfall

The landlord of a 200-year-old pub says he is struggling to fight against its "looming closure" following the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

The Wheatsheaf in Calne, Wiltshire, opened in 1822 and has been described as a "landmark" in the town.

But Dale Smith said the pub, which is "like a family" to its community, is struggling financially and he has been using his own money to keep it open.

Regular Rob Angel has been going to the pub for 20 years and described it as "the last one standing" of the pubs that used to be in the town centre.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) estimates that more than 1,000 pubs could close nationwide in 2024 unless more is done to support them.

This figure would be 200 more than in 2023 and 400 more than in 2022.

Mr Smith said that he is doing everything he can to increase footfall.

"We took it on in 2018, we had one proper solid year then after that we went into Covid. It was a massive hurdle," he said.

"It didn't just stop people going out, it changed habits."

He added they had tried reducing their overall prices, but that this did not have the impact they hoped to see.

The Wheatsheaf has been open for 202 years and it has remained a landmark within this town

Mr Angel goes to The Wheatsheaf two or three times a week and said: "Everyone is really friendly there. I've never been in there and felt awkward.

"You can't be in there and not talk to somebody."

But after the pandemic, Mr Smith said he had about £45,000 to pay on the 'bounce back loan' he had taken out - a government-backed Covid loan that was offered to thousands of businesses.

"I have been pumping my own finances into it [the pub] to keep it running, but it's not sustainable," explained Mr Smith.

"Closure is looming and unfortunately we are at the mercy of the general public."

'I won't give up'

In October, the government reduced the amount of tax paid on draught products by 1.7%, which it said would reduce the price of the average pint by 1p.

But some pub owners have said they are in fact looking at a 30 to 40p increase on a pint because of employment costs.

Mr Smith said: "There is no escaping that everything is going up at an accelerated rate and the new budget has added further pressures mainly on businesses and some individuals.

"The Wheatsheaf has been open for 202 years and it has remained a landmark within this town. I have never ever given up on anything in my life without a fight and I can whole heartily say I won't give up on this place."