‘Award winning’ pub say they gave it their ‘best shot’ in heartbreaking closure as locals decry ‘bitter loss’ to village
A BELOVED award-winning pub has revealed it will close its doors for the final time despite giving it their “best shot”.
The distressed owners of the Nag’s Head in Haughton, Cheshire, released a heartfelt statement announcing its permanent closure and told punters: “We will miss you.”
Drinkers and locals expressed their sadness at losing such a special pub – and were particularly sorry to see its famous pies go.
One wrote: “Sorry to hear that guys. I had the best steak pie at Nags Head! Such a loss.”
Another bemoaned the tough conditions that ran the pub into the ground.
They wrote: “Recent Government policies will sink more businesses than we realise. It’s so short sighted it’s incredible. So sorry you’ve had to close the doors and a beautiful place.”
The Nag’s Head landlords said they were forced to wind down the operation due to the “current economic woes fuelled by government policy”.
The pub, near Tarporley, had been revived by the owners of Altrincham Market and Mackie Mayor in 2022 after initially closing on New Year’s Eve in 2019.
The business was marked for development into residential properties but rescued and restored to its former glory.
But now all that hard work is being lost as the pub once again closes down amid a “perfect storm” of economic pressures.
The owners’ Instagram post read: “We’re sorry. We gave it our best shot but, sadly, we have to announce the closure of the Nag’s Head.”
They reflected on their efforts to transform the pub into a vibrant pillar of the community, but even the best will in the world was unable to battle the current economic challenges.
The owners outlined the situation that had squeezed them out of business.
They said: “The last government dealt our industry cruel blows, the current government have unrepentantly beaten the nails into our coffin when we can least afford it – national insurance hikes for employers, further increases in the minimum wage – totalling 37% over the last 3 years, the reduction of business rates relief – up by 35%.
“Add to that inherited interest rates – 300% up, utility costs – 300% up, cost of ingredients 200% up – you don’t have to be a maths genius to work it out.
“At the other end we’ve had the continued impact of the cost of living on people’s pockets which prioritises necessity over desire.
“Put it all together and it’s the perfect storm.”
Reflecting on the difficulties of growth in such an environment, they added: “How can anyone possibly grow and invest as the government expects (as we have done continually for the last decade) in this climate?
“It affects us and everyone in our industry.”
In a welcome update, the owners assured their loyal customers that their food halls in Altrincham, Manchester, and Macclesfield would continue to operate, saying.
They said: “If you miss us, you can find our soul and our spirit there. For now, it’s goodbye from the Nag’s Head.”
The Sun has reported on another Cheshire pub owned by a famous couple has closed for good.
Boyzone‘s Shane Lynch and his Real Housewives of Cheshire star wife Sheena have closed their pub’s doors for the last time.
The D13 Irish bar in Knutsford, Cheshire closed after it was repossessed by the landlord.
No explanation has been given as to why the pub has closed.
Named after Shane’s Dublin postcode D13, the pub first welcomed boozers in April 2021.
After just three years of business, it closed down for good on December 6, 2024.
Elsewhere, the landlords of the Lion pub, near Great Yarmouth seafront, announced they were planning to retire with the pub up for sale.