The Crown and Anchor, a historic pub in Llanidloes, mid-Wales, that has endured since the 17th century, has become another casualty in the ongoing decline of British pubs. This closure, instigated by the Covid-19 aftermath, escalating prices, and soaring energy costs, signifies the end of an era for the beloved local establishment.
The decision was also influenced by notable shifts in consumer behaviour, with patrons increasingly favouring home-based drinking.
According to data from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the number of pubs has fallen by 25% since 2000, from 60,800 to 45,800 in 2022. Over 560 pubs closed down in 2022 alone, marking the highest figure in recent years, including during the peak of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
The energy crisis has particularly…
