One of the oldest pubs in Britain which opened 700 years ago suddenly closes as owners share ‘heartbreak’

ONE of the oldest pubs in Britain has suddenly closed after owners made the heartbreaking decision to leave.

The Bell Inn at Great Cheverell, near Devizes in Wiltshire, shut up shop on Saturday, March 15 after its landlords Andy and Tan Alexander announced their departure from the boozer.

After buying the pub in 2023, the pair worked tirelessly to increase its footfall and restore its fun atmosphere.

They introduced open mic nights and hosted Christmas and New Years Eve there, where they've made some “great” friends.

TV personality Amanda Holden even visited the quaint boozer during a charity bike ride last year.

Despite their best efforts to restore its presence in the community though, the couple said they struggled to make enough money to pay their staff and it had become “unviable” to run.

They told the Gazette and Herald: “It was heartbreaking, one of the toughest decisions we’ve had to make, we tried everything and looked at all different avenues up until the last possible moment.”

The pub will remain shut until it comes under new management, which Andy and Tan are working to secure as soon as possible.

But finding replacement occupants won't be easy, as the pair are intent on finding somebody with the “time and energy to take it on”.

Andy added: “We’re done but the pub’s not done as well, there are a few people enquiring about taking it on, and anybody interested can get in touch and we’ll help them.”;

This comes as a pub that has been around for over 160 years suddenly closed earlier this week.

The East London hotspot closed with immediate effect, despite the old school pub being hugely popular with locals.

The Gun, in Homerton, was given a revamp in 2013 by landlords Nick Stephens and his partner Hanna-Sinclair Stephens and opened a year later in 2014.

It became hugely popular with locals until Covid when it endured a difficult time.

Thanks to a crowd funding campaign, which raised over £30,000 in just one day, the pub was able to continue trading.

However, current pressures on the hospitality industry has meant the pub, which had a capacity of only 90, has become ‘unsustainable’ and has since been forced to close.

In an announcement, landlord Nick said: “The Gun has faced many challenges over the years, and despite our very best efforts it has become unsustainable to continue trading.”;

“Locals Club would like to extend our warmest thanks to our loyal staff, locals and the many DJs who helped create such a special community at the pub.”;

“We hope the future brings an opportunity for Locals Club to create another music-led pub in another location.”;

“For now, we’ll be focusing on our thriving Islington pub, The Compton Arms.”;