Cost of living forces landlord to sell up 400-year-old country pub

Donna Millimono, co-owner of The Kings Arms in Cleeve Prior, has announced they are selling up after four years at the helm.

The decision comes after a period of rising costs and challenges post-pandemic.

Mrs Millimono said: “We have decided to close the pub due to the rising costs of energy mainly.

“However, the whole cost of living crisis has hit us hard over the last six months, in particular food prices and beer prices, making it no longer a viable business for us.

“Since Covid it’s been one hurdle after another.

“It’s just not bounced back the way we had hoped.”

Inside the 16th century pub (Image: Sidney Phillips)

The Kings Arms, on Bidford Road, will call last orders for the final time on Sunday, January 29.

“We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for an amazing four years,” said Mrs Millimono.

“We have enjoyed our time here and met so many fantastic people and genuinely met some lifelong friends.

“We hope someone will buy the pub and try again as it will be a great loss to the village.”

The garden at The Kings Arms (Image: Sidney Phillips)

The pub is being marketed by Hereford-based estate agents, Sidney Phillips.

The property is valued at £450,000 and comes with a three-bedroom owners accommodation, a garden, car parking and the 16th century pub and restaurant itself.

The sale also includes a stone barn which has planning permission to be converted into two holiday cottages.

Robin Mence, managing director of Sidney Phillips, said: “The Kings Head is a really charming country pub and restaurant, but the real USP of this property is that it has an additional 1,800 square foot barn which would suit conversion.”

The sale includes a stone barn that could be converted into holiday letting (Image: Sidney Phillips)

Until the Kings Arms closes, opening hours will be reduced.

It will open from 4pm to 11pm on Fridays, from midday to 11pm on Saturdays, and from midday until 6pm on Sundays.