UK pub closes just 6 months after reopening - 200 years in business
The former owner described running the pub as one of the most challenging periods of his life.
A UK pub which reopened just six months ago has already closed. The Gunmakers Arms reopened in December after a rock’n’roll refurbishment - but the owner has now confirmed that it is closed for good. Mason Newman, an artist who worked with big names including Ozzy Osbourne and Madonna, revived the 200-year-old establishment in Birmingham following its summer closure last year, but had to make the difficult decision to close the pub.
Mr Newman said he had “put everything” into making the boozer a success, but factors including the increasing bills and his own mental health contributed to his decision to cease operations.
The artist, confirming the closure to Birmingham Live, described this year as “one of the most challenging and emotional periods” of his life, as he revealed he took on the pub while “experiencing a severe bipolar episode”, and “not thinking with the clarity and judgement” he typically would have.
He added: "While I take full responsibility for the decisions I made, my mental health was a significant factor in taking on a project of this scale. Despite that, once I had made the commitment, I was determined to make it work.
"I invested my time, energy, creativity and finances into breathing new life into a historic Birmingham pub and creating a welcoming space for the community.
"Unfortunately, the reality facing hospitality businesses today is incredibly tough.
"Rising operating costs, increasing employer costs, higher taxes and ongoing economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for independent venues to survive."
The closure comes as financial challenges are being experienced across the wider hospitality sector. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says 161 pubs closed across England, Scotland and Wales in the first three months of this year.
At the beginning of this year, the Government announced that it is “backing British pubs” by cutting business rate bills by 15% from April. Pubs have also been given extended licensing hours for England or Scotland World Cup matches.
