The closure of the Borough Road pub was announced on Facebook on Tuesday 3 January.
A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are now permanently closed. Thank you for your custom, and your nearest Fuller’s pub is the Trinity next to Borough underground station.”
Users reacted to the news with disappointment. “We had our wedding reception there many years ago when we lived around the corner,” said one person. “What an absolutely sad announcement.”
“Such a shame,” added another. “Great pub, good beer.”
The venue’s website describes the pub as perfect for “a warm welcome and cold beer”. Seasonal cask ales, regular live sport and a menu of British classics were on offer at the pub, and a secluded garden allowed guests to dine alfresco.
Commenting on the closure, a Fuller, Smith & Turner spokesperson said: “The Ship at Borough was a leasehold site and we have decided, for a number of reasons, not to renew the lease.
Pub closures
“We are sorry to disappoint our regular customers.” Fuller’s hospitality could still be enjoyed at the pubco’s nearby sites, the spokesperson added.
The pub has previously run music and beer festivals as well as live sports events. It boasted a function room which hosted occasions from weddings to birthdays to business events.
The Ship is the latest in a long line of pubs who have been forced to close their doors for good.
The Saye and Sele Arms has also closed temporarily due to ever-increasing energy and suppliers’ costs combined with ‘Dry January’ and the traditional downturn in business post-Christmas.
Hard-hit sector
This comes after data revealed the average pub saw sales drop by £855 over the key trading dates during the 2022 festive season, with UKHospitality warning the sector is facing a winter challenge “like no other”.
“It is not even viable to open the doors right now,” said the licensee in a Facebook post.
They continued: “We will now re-evaluate our business model and make a decision as to the viability going forward of continuing to try and make the business work.”
Cost pressures have hit hospitality hard across the board. Manchester Brewing Company also announced it would cease trading yesterday due to debts incurred during lockdown, the effect of the cost-of-living crisis on trade and spiralling costs.
On Twitter, a spokesperson said: “As I load the sign into the back of the van to take top the tip, I guess this presents the most opportune moment to confirm Manchester Brewing Company has ceased to be."
