The Corner Cupboard, a historic and cherished pub in Winchcombe, Cotswolds, has announced a surprising closure just six months after its reopening under new management.
Established in 1550 and operating as a pub since 1877, The Corner Cupboard has been a staple of local life for generations. Its unique name, inspired in the 1940s by an RAF officer who compared the pub’s labyrinthine layout to a ‘corner cupboard,’ and its reputed haunting by the ghost of a 12-year-old girl, have made it a notable spot among residents and visitors alike.
After closing in August 2024, the pub reopened in July 2025 with hopes of revival. However, persistent financial difficulties have forced the current owner to announce its imminent closure. In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, the owner expressed deep sorrow over the decision, highlighting relentless efforts to reduce costs and keep the establishment afloat despite rising expenses.
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“The last six months have felt like a lifetime,” the owner wrote. “I poured my heart and soul into this venture, but insurmountable financial pressures and increased operating costs left us making no money. Recent government budget changes, including higher National Insurance contributions and rising energy prices, have created an untenable environment for small hospitality businesses like ours.”
The owner emphasized that quitting was never an option, having invested personal funds and unwavering commitment. Still, the escalating costs made it impossible to continue without risking further losses.
Acknowledging the community’s disappointment, the post called this closure “the end of an era” for traditional British pubs, once community cornerstones now struggling to survive.
Yet, amidst the sadness, the owner offered a hopeful possibility: transforming The Corner Cupboard into a community-owned, not-for-profit establishment managed by locals. Interested residents are being encouraged to come forward to explore this future.
Currently, food services at the pub have ceased, while the bar remains open until existing stock is depleted.
The closure has struck a chord locally, with Winchcombe’s Liberal Democrat councillor Cheryl Agg expressing her heartfelt sympathy and gratitude. She noted, “The pub is more than a business; it’s a social hub and part of Winchcombe’s identity. The offer to consider a community ownership model is a generous glimmer of hope that this story may yet continue.”
Similarly, Cllr Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, extended support, urging the owner to connect with local resources for assistance.
As The Corner Cupboard prepares to close its doors once more, the community’s spirit and potential collective effort may yet preserve the legacy of this iconic Cotswolds pub.