A BELOVED pub whose owners struggled to afford heating has suddenly shut its doors amid its rent skyrocketing by 43 per cent.
Wor Local Micropub in Prudhoe, Northumberland, has served loyal locals and visitors for almost a decade but is imminently set to close for good.
Regular customers have been left gutted following the announcement the “proper local” pub will shut its doors for the final time at the end of this week.
The pub released a statement last week, saying: “Had plans tonight of informing you all of some sad news for us.
“Wor local will be closing a week come Sunday.
“As many know we have been trying to negotiate new lease with new owners however it’s out of our hands”.
The pub explained that spiralling rent prices and upkeep costs, combined with a decline in footfall, gave the establishment “no choice” but to close.
Its statement said: “We had 3 choices: pay rent increase of over 42.85 per cent, have new window and door over 6 year lease, or sort door and window ourselves for increase of 21.42 per cent.
“As you all know we have not been able to keep the place warm, and with the loss of car parking for those popping in for a pint on way home that’s just gone.
“Foot fall on our high st isn’t the same.
“We haven’t wanted to put prices up with the competition we have so we have no choice.
“We thank everyone for supporting us and we are truly sorry we will miss Wor Local too.”
The micropub has countless five star reviews online and maintains a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps from 166 reviews.
Almost all mention the welcoming atmosphere of the boozer as well as its friendly staff.
Others commented on the pub’s Facebook post straight away to express their sadness at the closure.
One wrote: “A great loss to Prudhoe.
“A place where strangers became friends,families were welcomed.
“Over the years, Wor Local has built up a family which has supported its members through good and hard times (a lifeline during Covid) and some people will be devastated at the thought of it disappearing.”
Another said: “So sorry to hear this, great friendly community pub gone, spent many a good time in there, sad times… all the best for the future, will be sadly missed.”
‘ABSOLUTELY GUTTED’
The pub itself commented under the post, saying: “After sale of place and rent increase we just can’t afford to heat the place and sort windows doors etc.
“A huge loss to us too”.
Others commented on the “sad news” and wished the best for the owners.
One said: “Such sad news for one of the best supporters of local breweries.
“Wishing Lisa and Terry all the best for the future.”
Another added: “Absolutely gutted. Love this place and have made some friends, including yourselves.
“I wish you all the best with future endeavours. Hope I will still see you about.”
Wor Local Micropub has confirmed its plans for its final day of business, saying it will air Newcastle‘sFA Cup tie against Brighton on Sunday, March 2, in the afternoon.
The wider pub sector is coming under increasing pressure as hundreds of venues close for good.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) recently published figures which said around six pubs shut their doors for good every week last year, resulting in around 4,500 job losses.
The trade body found 289 pubs across England and Wales pulled their last pints in 2024.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energybills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The figures revealed London was the most-impacted area, with the capital seeing 34 sites shut for good across the year.
The latest data means the number of pubs in England and Wales has plummeted from 47,613 in 2019 to 45,345 in 2024 – a drop of 2,268.
A map built by The Sun reveals the locations hit hardest by pub closures in 2024.
The closures come as businesses face higher energy bills and with households’ finances squeezed.
Meanwhile, the BBPA is warning more pub closures could be on the horizon due to the upcoming hike in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and national minimum wage.
The trade body has warned that the cumulative impact of the Autumn Budget will create an extra £650 million in costs for the sector, worsening the outlook for publicans.
Many are also bracing for a planned reduction in the business rates discount for hospitality, leisure and retail firms from 75% to 40%.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.
“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.
“We’re right behind Labour’s mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep their doors open.”
