UK's 'oldest pub' facing closure after neighbours complaints about noise
An ancient pub said to be the oldest in Britain could close after 715 years - because of noise complaints from nearby neighbours.
Bosses of Ye Olde Black Bear in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, have incurred the wrath of some of its neighbours who have complained about customers and live music at the venue making a racket. The owners of the pub, which was established in 1308, have spent a large amount of money over six years on a major revamp ahead of its reopening in June this year.
The quaint town-centre watering hole - rumoured to have once been visited by William Shakespeare - had been shut since 2017 after falling on hard times. But while many people in the town have been delighted one of its most famous buildings and businesses has been revived, others living close to it have been annoyed by noise coming from it.
The pub is at risk of closure (Rob Jenkins)The venue, which has a large open area at the back for hosting live music events, has been told by Tewkesbury Borough Council how strict new conditions could be imposed following complaints from the public. And the pub says the new trules its future in doubt. It said, on its Facebook page: “The longstanding licence of The Black Bear is the subject of a review, placing it at risk of closure.”
It urged its supporters to write letters of support which it would forward on to the council, adding: “Your support is critical in our fight to safeguard The Black Bear. This is a matter of great significance, and we would be grateful for your assistance.” The council said, in a letter to residents living near the pub, its environmental health team had asked for a review of the Black Bear’s premises licence. It said: “The reason for the review is because of the noise and public nuisance emanating from the activities on the premises.”
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The pub has been supported by some in the town (Rob Jenkins)It added possible conditions it might impose included limiting outdoor entertainment at the site to six days a year, ending at 10.30pm each time, and requiring a noise limiting device to be installed. The pub is run by landlord Luke Haynes and his family, who say their research shows it is the oldest pub which has always been a pub in the UK.
Luke said he was frustrated the council was considering changing the conditions of the licence because he said it had been aware of his plan to make live music a key part of the business. He said allowing only six events a year would mean the pub would not survive financially, adding money generated by staging live music sessions in the summer would enable the venue to get through the winter.
He said: “The support from the town has been absolutely overwhelming. It’s a very small number of people who are complaining. We’ve had huge support from our neighbours. I’m trying to work with the council to come up with solutions to this.”
The pub’s fans have rallied behind the bid to keep it going, with an online petition having been signed by more than 2,800 people. Georgie Smith, who started it, said: “We believe closing the Black Bear would be detrimental to our community, both socially and economically. “The importance of pubs in the UK cannot be overstated. They are part of our cultural heritage.”
And hundreds of people have taken to social media to express their dismay at the matter and to say they hope the historic pub will be saved. One said: “The reopening of the Bear has been astonishing and has helped Tewkesbury to thrive. We must do everything we can to support it.”
Another said: “I can’t believe this. After all the hard work and effort to restore this beautiful pub and people are trying to ruin it.” The council is expected to consider the matter at its licensing sub-committee meeting on December 12.
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