Star Pubs to Review “Unviable” Letting Costs for Derbyshire Pub

The company owning a Derbyshire pub is scheduled to reassess its letting expenses, which have been characterized as “financially unviable.” Jonathan Davies, the Member of Parliament for Mid Derbyshire, met with campaigners Carol Holden and Chris Collins. They are advocating for the reopening of their local establishment in West Hallam, the Punch Bowl public house, which has been closed since 2022. The campaigners informed Mr Davies that the pub became “financially unviable” after its owners, Star Pubs, increased demands for rent and initial costs between July 2023 and November 2024. A spokesperson from Star Pubs stated: “We have recently reviewed the proposed investment scheme to see if it can be scaled back and for the costs involved for a new licensee reduced.” In November 2024, the estimated ingoing costs were £93,556, with annual rent expenses totaling £74,036. The West Hallam Parish Council applied to the Erewash Borough Council for the pub, originally built in 1754, to be designated as a Community Asset, a request that was granted in August 2023. Davies commented: “I am disappointed that Star Pubs has increased rents far beyond what is reasonable, but I am pleased it has indicated it will review the future of the property with a view to offering more attractive rent and lower ingoing costs for prospective tenants.” He added: “A pub like this can represent a fantastic community asset where people can meet, eat, drink, and socialise in the heart of the village. “It would be a shame to lose what was a functional local business due to unaffordable costs being imposed on interested parties.”” Star Pubs announced its intention to be “advertising a revised scheme” for the pub in the new year.