The pubs CAMRA says are 'bucking the national trend' and thriving

While the national pub industry faces numerous challenges, Herefordshire’s pub scene is flourishing, according to Mark Haslam, spokesperson for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Herefordshire. Several establishments near Ross-on-Wye and in neighboring Malvern are enjoying renewed success.

“It’s bucking the national trend for several reasons,” said Haslam. One major factor is the high number of freehold pubs in the region, which are owned outright rather than leased, helping to keep operating costs manageable.

Strict regulations also protect pubs from being easily converted into residential properties. “A pub costing £250,000 in a desirable village could be worth twice as much if permission was granted to turn it into a home,” Haslam explained. “However, since permitted development rights to convert pubs were removed, these conversions have become more difficult, which maintains the pub’s value and viability.”

Haslam highlighted the Crown Inn in Lea, near Ross-on-Wye, as a prime example. This historic pub underwent a £500,000 renovation funded with support from Herefordshire Council and has emerged as a vibrant community hub. Similarly, the Riverside Inn in Ross-on-Wye reopened in May following a “fabulous” refurbishment after 15 years of closure. Co-owner Rebecca Pickup describes it as a warm, welcoming space, emphasizing that “it’s our home too.”

The Crown Inn in Colwall is another success story, having sold shortly before Christmas after a period of closure. Conversely, a recent attempt to convert the Temeside Inn in Little Hereford into a residence was thwarted, with local advocates, including Haslam, contesting claims that the pub was no longer commercially viable.

“We monitor all 240 pubs in Herefordshire, which strengthens our planning cases,” Haslam noted. “Each pub is unique, so we don’t rely on generic objections.”

Innovative ventures are also contributing to the region’s thriving scene. The Night Owl microbrewery and tap room in Storridge, near Malvern, is expanding following planning approval last summer.

Drawing on his own experience as a landlord, Haslam acknowledged the demands of running a pub: “It’s not easy – you need a broad skill set, resilience, and stamina.” He expressed frustration over some pubs’ poor marketing efforts. “Instead of holding a beer festival in secret, every pub likely has a regular who could manage a simple promotional post on Facebook,” he suggested.

Thanks to ownership structures, supportive regulations, community investment, and passionate landlords, Herefordshire’s pubs are defying national trends and thriving.

The pubs CAMRA says are ‘bucking the national trend’ and thriving