The Farmers pub, located in Ormesby St Margaret and formerly known as the Jolly Farmers, has unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving regulars disappointed and the local community concerned about the future of the valued establishment. The closure comes as a surprise, particularly because the pub recently underwent a significant £150,000 refurbishment in November 2021, which included a new kitchen and restrooms, and welcomed new management just six months prior in June 2024. The pub’s closure on New Year’s Eve sparked a wave of sadness on social media, with many patrons expressing their fondness for the local watering hole. The Ormsby St Margaret with Scratby Parish Council has acknowledged the pub’s importance to the village and is considering applying for Asset of Community Value (ACV) status to protect it from future development or demolition.
Stonegate Pub Company, which owns The Farmers, has confirmed that they are actively seeking a new publican to take over the business and reopen the pub. The closure of The Farmers is not an isolated incident, as several other pubs in the surrounding area have also recently closed or faced uncertainty. The Lion pub, near Great Yarmouth seafront, announced its impending closure due to the landlords’ retirement, and villagers are attempting to raise funds to purchase the property. Another Stonegate pub, The Bear and Bells in Beccles, has also recently ceased trading. This string of closures highlights the challenges facing the pub industry in the region.
The difficulties experienced by Stonegate extend beyond the local area. Nationally, several Stonegate pubs have closed, including The Sun Inn in Bradwell. Furthermore, the D13 Irish bar in Knutsford, Cheshire, owned by Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and his wife Sheena, recently closed after being repossessed. The reasons for the D13 closure remain undisclosed. This closure joins a growing list of pubs across the country struggling to stay afloat amid challenging economic conditions and changing consumer habits.
The pub industry as a whole is facing significant headwinds, exemplified by the closure of 44 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK. These closures span various locations, from metropolitan areas like London and Glasgow to smaller towns like Wick and Bodmin. The list includes establishments such as The John Masefield in New Ferry, The Angel in Islington, The Silkstone Inn in Barnsley, and The Billiard Hall in West Bromwich, among others. This wave of closures underscores the widespread challenges facing pub chains, including rising costs, changing consumer preferences, and increased competition from other leisure activities.
Despite these challenges, some pub chains are implementing strategies to attract customers and celebrate cultural events. Wetherspoon, for example, has announced a limited-time menu change to commemorate Burns Night, the Scottish holiday celebrating the life and work of poet Robert Burns. This special menu, available from January 22nd to 28th, includes traditional Scottish dishes like haggis with neeps and tatties and a Caledonian Burger. This promotional effort aims to capitalize on the holiday spirit and offer customers a unique dining experience.
The closure of The Farmers pub is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the pub industry. The combination of local and national closures highlights the pressures on pubs of all sizes and ownership structures. While some chains are attempting to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions, the future of many pubs, particularly in smaller communities, remains uncertain. The case of The Farmers underscores the importance of community support and the potential role of ACV status in preserving these valued local institutions. The hope remains that a new publican will be found, breathing new life into The Farmers and ensuring its continued presence in Ormesby St Margaret.
