Beloved pub closes after just six months as owners share...

A BELOVED pub has shut its doors after just six months with the owners sharing the “heartbreaking” reasons for the closure.

Ross Mcsherry and his wife Vic took over the reins at The Ship Inn, in Marske, North Yorkshire, last September and were excited for their new beginning.

The Ship Inn pub in Marske. — The Ship Inn pub in Marske has announced its ‘heartbreaking’ closure

Quote by Anurag Prakash Ray: Saying goodbye is the hardest solution to any problem, but sometimes it's the only choice we have. — They revealed the news in an emotional statement on social media alongside this poignant quote

But a number of reasons has meant that the pub will shut its doors despite the owners “pouring their heart and soul” into the business.

The Ship Inn announced its heartbreaking closure in an emotional statement shared on Facebook.

The couple behind the pub explained that the decision comes after a tough few months, with the landlady Vic's recent prolonged hospitalisation taking a serious toll on her health.

In their post, they said: “We had hoped for her full recovery and that we could continue working to improve the Ship and move forward.

“Unfortunately, that is no longer possible, and we must prioritise Vic’s health above all else.”;

Looking to the future, the owners expressed a hope that another family would take over the pub and continue its legacy.

The much-loved pub said that they wanted to see any potential owners of the boozer “keep the history and memories alive”.

The landlords urged residents to support othervillage businesses and thanked their dedicated staff, who they saycontinued to keep The Ship running even during challenging times.

And they also expressed their gratitude “from the bottom of their hearts” to the loyal customers who had supported them over the years.

Ross also cited rising costs as another reason they had to close the boozer.

He told TeessideLive: “Everything just keeps going up, and pubs are not getting any help to keep going. The costs are so high and you can't pass that onto your customers because the prices are already high.

“People are just not coming out to pubs as much any more.”

But it is not all bad news for fans of the popular boozer.

To celebrate the memories the Ship Inn are hosting a large leaving party on Saturday, March 29.

Fans of the pub were quick to weigh in with their opinions after the sad news.

One wrote: “A sad day, but I hope Vicky is well again. It'll be a sad loss as another great pub closes its doors. Best of luck to you all.”

Another said: “So sorry to hear this but as everyone says (and are 100% right!), Vicky's health and family have to come first.

“Very best of luck for the future and I hope Vicky makes a full recovery soon.”

A third Facebook user commented: “You tried nobody could have tried harder but for the ship to survive and thrive, the brewery needs to step up and invest to bring the pub, the kitchen and everything up to the highest standard.

“The building deserves it but needs to be 100% to attractthe customers needed to cover the high running costs of such a large pub.

“Good luck going forward and hopefully with the stress of running the Ship behind you, Vicky can fully recover and get back to full health once again good luck.”

SAD CLOSURE

The full statement posted on Facebook reads: “With heavy hearts, we announce the closing of our pub.

“As many of you already know, the stress of running the pub has taken its toll, and the landlady was recently hospitalised for a long time.

“We had hoped for her full recovery and that we could continue working to improve the Ship and move forward.

“Unfortunately, that is no longer possible, and we must prioritise Vic’s health above all else. This decision to walk away from something we've poured our hearts and souls into is truly heart breaking.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. We had such high hopes for the Ship and desperately wanted this to work. We are so sorry that circumstances have forced us to make this difficult decision.

“Pubs are such a big part of a community and unfortunately there are so many things in place and more barriers to success coming into play very soon that make it so hard for pubs doors to stay open. Please support the pubs in this amazing community to ensure more are not lost.

“We also want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for all of the staff who have been part of our team. We applaud you all for everything you’ve done, especially while we’ve been unable to give the Ship our full attention.

What is happening to the hospitality industry?

By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter

MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.

Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.

Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.

Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.

Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.

“It was a lot to ask, and you have made us so proud. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.”

The statement continued: “We truly hope that another family will come into this place, the should be the heart of the community, continue the legacy, and keep the history and memories alive. The Ship deserves it, and so does the wonderful community that surrounds it.

“To celebrate the memories, we will be throwing a BIG leaving party this Saturday. We’d love for you to join us for one last HOORAH. More details of Saturday will come soon. So keep your eyes peeled.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything. Your support has meant the world to us.”