Three Marston's pubs in Flintshire and Wrexham up for sale

The cost of living crisis has led to soaring energy bills, an increase in the cost of food, and a reduction in demand from customers, all of which have hit landlords in the pocket.

Government data, analysed by Atlus Group, a real estate intelligence firm, revealed that 153 pubs had closed in the first quarter of 2023.

Around 32 pubs a month, 386 for the whole year, were lost in 2022, compared to 51 pubs a month so far this year.

The British Beer and Pub Association warned that the average energy bill for a pub would rise by £18,400 a year from this month with the Energy Bill Relief Scheme ending.

And Marston's has placed some of its Wrexham and Flintshire pubs up for sale. 

The Duke of Wellington, in Ruabon, the Hampden Arms, in Acrefair, and the Top Monkey, in Northop Hall, are all on the market. 

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The end of the Government energy support for non-households’ energy bills is set to wipe out the benefit seen from reductions to property taxes, according to the real estate advisory firm.

Alex Probyn, president of property tax at Altus Group, said: “Pubs have seen their values for the business rates tax fall 17 per cent overall and, with measures taken at last year’s Autumn Statement, that will mean a tax saving of £5,500 for the average pub.

“But that simply won’t compensate for the energy support being lost, making plots even more attractive for alternative investment.”