Four pubs to close due to 'spiralling costs'

The Coldstreamer in Gulval is among the pubs being closed

A company that owns four pubs in Cornwall has said it is closing them all due to "spiralling costs".

West Cornwall Inns said it was "with huge sadness" that the company would cease trading on Sunday.

The Queen's Arms at Breage, Henlys in Helston, the Fire Engine at Marazion, and The Coldstreamer at Gulval, will all shut.

Matt Ferguson, from the company, said on Facebook: "We are devastated that the last six years have ended in this way."

'Act now'

The statement blamed the economic climate and spiralling costs of electricity, food and drink throughout the summer.

"We are not in a position to trade into winter and it would be irresponsible to attempt it. The sad thing is we had a busy summer and we'd like to thank each and every person who came to support us," is said.

It said outgoings across the industry were now "too high".

"Hospitality has gone very wrong and we would urge those in positions of power to change that to act now, as we join a growing list of casualties," it added.

A government spokesperson said it was supporting hospitality businesses and those in supply chains with 50% business rates relief, reducing employer national insurance and freezing alcohol duty rates on beer, cider, wine and spirits.

"This is in addition to the billions in grants and loans offered throughout the pandemic,” it said.

It added: "We recognise that pubs are key drivers of local economies but no national government can control the global factors pushing up the price of energy and other business costs."

The Queen's Arms in Breage is owned by West Cornwall Inns

Vince Curtis, branch chairman of Cornwall CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, said rising costs are "affecting all pubs".

He said: "I have concerns these closures could just be the tip of the iceberg, without sounding too alarmist."