Figures released last year from real estate adviser Altus Group revealed the number of pubs closing across England and Wales had reached 50 a month, with 150 either demolished or converted in the three months to the end of September.
This was a significant rise compared to the 200 pubs that were closed for good in the first six months of 2022.
Cumbrian pubs have been far from immune from the wave of closures, driven by factors such as the pandemic, challenges around finding staff and the increasing cost of living.
Recent examples include the Rams Head, on Rawlinson Street, Barrow, which has been turned into a 17-bedroom property intended to provide rooms for NHS workers.
Elsewhere there are plans to convert the former Sawyers Arms pub, in Kendal, into 15 luxury apartments and an application to turn the Kings Arms pub on Main Street, in Hensingham, near Whitehaven, into three separate units for domestic accommodation.
Ian Kelly and his wife Andrea, who own the Fishermans Arms Hotel, in Baycliff, near Ulverston, are also planning to convert the premises.They reopened the pub 12 years ago after it had been shut for some time. However, they are now seeking permission for change of use to convert it into nine apartments. “Since we bought it there’s been two Premier Inns, a Holiday Inn and Wetherspoons with 70 bedrooms that have opened in the area, which has made trading completely different,” said Ian.“We’ve brought it back from the dead once but I just don’t see it happening twice. The big problem is how to get new people. You can’t compete with Holiday Inn’s advertising budget or Premier Inn’s advertising budget.”
Corrie and Co estate agents, based in Ulverston, has been involved in a number of pub sales in recent years. Property valuer Fraser Corrie said some vendors have decided to sell pubs as a lifestyle change post-pandemic or because they are no longer viable businesses. This can be a particular issue in towns where the number of pubs has reached saturation point.
Despite the sales and conversions, Tony Jackson, president of the Westmorland branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: “The good thing is that for now people are supporting the pubs that they’ve got.”
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