Oldest pub in popular seaside town closing after 500 years as loyal customers mourn loss of ‘favourite’ boozer

THE oldest boozer in a picturesque seaside town is closing down after 500 years in service.

Regulars at The Hole in the Wall in Torquay are devastated by the decision.

Steeped in history, the pub was a watering hole for smugglers and pirates after first opening in 1540 in the Devon town.

It prides itself on a ye olde atmosphere, created by its cobbled floors and low-beamed ceilings.

Despite it's charm and fascinating stories from over the decades – the boozer has finally circumed to its financial battles.

Taking to Facebook, the owners broke the news: “It is with great sadness that we announce that the Hole In The Wall will cease trading from the close of Sunday, 13th April 2025.

“We'd like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created, to add to the centuries' more storied history here at the Hole.

“Whilst every attempt has been made to contact customers who have bookings with us on Dojo for after this date, not everyone has been reached as yet, but we'll keep trying.”

Customers flocked to the comment section to share their shock over the announcement as well as praise for the “perfect pub”.

One wrote: “So sorry, we aways used your pub when we came for a holiday from Derbyshire. If I had the money, I would have bought it and kept all the lovely staff on. Take care.”

Another added: “So we are losing a real pub, one without big sports screens and gambling machines dominating the place.

“A place to chat with people from around the country and around the world who have found the Hole. The local musicians brought a great atmosphere to this unique pub in Torquay; it will be greatly missed.”

A third wrote: ” Aww no, so sad. Ionly managed to visit this perfect pub for the first time last year on holiday, I was really looking forward to coming back again! All the best for the future.”

“I'm absolutely gutted. There will be no decent pubs left at this rate,” fumed another.

The pub owners recently shared their struggles on Facebook in a last-ditch attempt.

They wrote: “As many of you are already aware, the pub has been going through some financial difficulties recently, putting us at serious risk of closure.”

The message said that the publicans have until mid April “to get [their] affairs in order”.

One regular wrote: “A tragedy if this pub closes. Anoasisin a Torquay sea of fizz these days. Had some great times here, especially in the outside drinking area.”

This comes after apopular pub in Buckinghamshire has suffered the same fate.

ThePinkand Lily in Princes Risborough has pulled its last pint after seven years in business.

It comes aftermore than 400 pubs closedacross the UK last year as the country's boozer count hit an all-time low.

Some 412 in England and Wales — around 34 a month — shut and were demolished or converted into homes, offices and nurseries.

That was a rise of 6.7 per cent compared to the previous year and the sharpest fall in numbers since 2021, when 444 pubs closed their doors.

A total of2,074 pubs have gone in the past five years, analysis by the commercial real estate experts Altus Group found.

The overall number of boozers in England and Wales, including those vacant and offered to let, fell to a low of 38,989 according to Valuation Office Agency statistics.

Three years ago the hospitality sector was hit by Covid lockdowns and soaring energy prices.

This year rising costs and cautious spending has also hit the sector.

The British Beer and Pub Association reckons pubs face an additional £71million bill from April when employer National Insurance Contributions rise to 15 per cent.

And Altus calculates the reduction in the level of business rates discount from 75 to 40 per cent will cost £215million.