Beloved 200-year-old pub announces it is closing next month as locals launch urgent campaign to save it
A BELOVED historic pub will soon close its doors for the final time – unless it can be saved.
Gutted locals have launched a last-ditch campaign to save the 200-year-old community boozer.
The Hare and Hounds in Clayton-Le-Moors, Lancashire, will pull its final pint on May 4.
The pub’s managers, Thwaites, confirmed it is going up for sale.
Regular Liam Loughlin started a petition to save the pub when he heard the news.
He wrote: “It’s not just a pub […] it’s a place to laugh, cry, sing and dance for all members of the community no matter what your background is.”
The Hare an Hound is love for its well-attended pub quizzes and “amazing”, home-cooked food.
The Lancashire brewery cited high running costs as the reason for calling time on the pub.
They added that they have “no plans to impose a restrictive covenant on the sale”, meaning the new owners don’t have to keep the site as a pub.
This creates a high risk the community will lose their watering hole.
A campaign group called Friends of the Hare and Hounds was launched a petition earlier this month in an urgent effort to save the pub.
The group is separate from the managers of the establishment.
Its members will put their heads together at a meeting to discuss the disappointing update from Thwaites.
A spokesperson for the campaign group said: “The Hare and Hounds will be closing the doors for the final time on May 4.
“None of us wants this to happen, but there isn’t another option.”
A spokesperson from Thwaites said: “After a significant period working with a very good local operator, we’ve made the decision to close the Hare and Hounds pub in Clayton-le-Moors, given the costs associated with running the venue.
“The implications of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget have only further contributed to this decision.
“We aim to market the pub for sale shortly and have no plans to impose a restrictive covenant on the sale.
“We remain committed to our other pubs in the area, including our two pubs in Accrington – The Grey Horse and The Victoria, which have both benefited from refurbishment investment over the past two years.”
Almost 700 people had put their names to the petition seeking to rescue the Hare and Hounds.
A spokesperson for the group explained how the pub’s closure would impact both staff and punters.
They said: “For generations, the Hare and Hounds has been more than just a pub — it has been a gathering place where friendships are formed, local events are celebrated, and a true sense of belonging is fostered.
“The impact of this decision extends far beyond the loss of a public house.
“It threatens the livelihoods of the dedicated staff who have poured their hearts into making the Hare and Hounds the welcoming establishment it is today.
“Many of these employees now face uncertainty, which will undoubtedly take a toll on their mental health and well-being.
“Losing a job is never easy, but losing a job in a place that feels like family is even more devastating.”
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.