The Ship Inn at Brimscombe in the Stroud Valleys has announced a significant price increase and a reduction in opening hours, attributing these changes to the recent Labour Budget and its impact on small businesses.
Landlord Wesley Birch revealed that food and drink prices will rise by 15 to 20 percent, staff hours will be cut, and the pub will operate fewer hours—all essential measures to keep the establishment afloat amid growing financial pressures.
Birch criticized the government’s new fiscal policies as a “war on small businesses.” He pointed to several burdensome factors: a nearly 300 percent increase in business rates set to take effect in April 2026, a 24 percent rise in the minimum wage for under-18 employees who make up half of the pub’s workforce, and an £11,000 surge in National Insurance contributions this year.
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“We have absorbed every cost increase possible to maintain the pub people know and love,” Birch said. “However, without these price adjustments and operational changes, our community pub would no longer be viable and could face liquidation.”
Previously, The Ship Inn was open from 3 pm to 11 pm Monday through Wednesday, noon to 11 pm Thursday through Saturday, and noon to 8 pm on Sundays. The updated schedule reduces weekday drinking hours from 3 pm to 7 pm (except quiz nights), keeps Thursday and Friday hours at 3 pm to 11 pm, and maintains weekend hours. Food service hours will also be adjusted, with earlier closing times on Sundays and weekdays.
Staff numbers have already declined from 75 to 48, with no replacements for departing employees. Birch anticipates cutting the workforce further to around 40 by April 2026 to remain sustainable.
“These measures are difficult but necessary,” he added. “We appreciate our loyal customers and community support as we navigate these challenging times, hoping for better news ahead.”