The landlord of The Ship Inn in Brimscombe, located in the Stroud Valleys, has announced significant price increases and reduced opening hours as necessary steps to keep the pub afloat amid rising costs following the recent government budget.
Wesley Birch, who manages the popular local pub, revealed that food and drink prices will rise by 15 to 20 percent starting January. Additionally, staff hours will be cut, and the pub will operate fewer hours to survive the mounting financial strain.
Birch places the blame squarely on the new fiscal policies introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, describing them as a “war on small businesses.” He highlighted several factors contributing to the pub’s struggle: a nearly 300 percent increase in business rates, which will rise from £8,000 to £31,750 between April 2025 and 2026; a 24 percent hike in minimum wage for under-18 staff; and an increased National Insurance contribution of around £11,000 this year.
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“The current economic climate demands pragmatic adjustments,” Birch said. “We were hoping for relief for the hospitality sector, but instead faced heavier tax burdens and crippling business rates. Despite absorbing every possible cost increase over the past two years to keep prices low, further hikes are unavoidable if we want to avoid liquidation.”
The Ship Inn, known for its picturesque canal-side setting and popular Sunday lunches, will now adjust its opening hours as follows: drinking hours will be reduced to 3 pm to 7 pm from Monday to Wednesday (excluding quiz nights), 3 pm to 11 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 11 pm Saturdays, and noon to 8 pm Sundays. Food service hours will shift to 5 pm to 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 9 pm on Saturdays, and noon to 6 pm on Sundays.
Birch also disclosed staffing reductions, noting the workforce has already shrunk from 75 to 48 in the past 18 months, with plans to reduce further to about 40 by next April. “We haven’t increased our prices in two years, but for the pub to remain viable, it needs to sustain itself. We’re doing what’s necessary to secure the future,” he added.
Acknowledging the inconvenience, Birch expressed gratitude to loyal customers and the community for their ongoing support. He remains hopeful for more favorable economic conditions ahead to allow the beloved community pub to continue serving patrons for years to come.