The future of a historic Worcestershire pub, said to be the real-life inspiration for The Bull in BBC Radio 4's The Archers, hangs in the balance as its landlord warns that tax policies could force its closure. This comes amid ongoing village drama, including a cricket team controversy over secret player payments.
Centuries-Old Inn Under Financial Threat
The half-timbered Old Bull Inn has stood on the village green in Inkberrow since the 16th century, with William Shakespeare among its former patrons. Landlord Joe Reed, 70, now says he may have to call time for good due to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' changes to business rates, compounded by earlier hikes to employers' National Insurance contributions.
Archers Connection Draws Tourists but Not Enough Profit
Inkberrow, judged England's prettiest village in 2023, is renowned as the real-life version of Ambridge, home to The Archers. The Old Bull Inn is the model for The Bull, described in BBC material as a 'half-timbered building near the village green'. Fans flock to the pub, especially during summer months, to see memorabilia like signed scripts and cast photos.
'Trade remains fairly steady,' Mr Reed said. 'It's all the extra costs that are causing the issue. We put the hours in—I work around 60 hours a week—and it would be nice to be rewarded for that.'
Business Rates Relief Withdrawal Sparks Backlash
In the November Budget, Ms Reeves announced that Covid-era 40% business rates relief would end in April, hitting pubs with a revaluation. Hospitality chiefs warned this, along with minimum wage increases and National Insurance hikes, could force hundreds of closures. A fierce backlash saw over 1,000 landlords bar Labour MPs, leading to a Treasury support package.
The package offers pubs in England 15% off business rates next year, with bills frozen in real terms for two more years. However, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride called it a delay tactic, and Mr Reed agreed, accusing the Chancellor of 'kicking the can down the road'.
Long-Term Financial Concerns Loom
Mr Reed warned that rates could potentially double in three years, putting the pub in trouble again. 'We are still solvent, but we are fortunate in that we get tourists coming here because of the link to The Archers…but still we're not making a killing,' he said. 'We are paying the bills but that's about it. The days of making big profits are long gone.'
Since Labour came to power in July 2024, over 500 pubs have closed, according to Valuation Office Agency figures. Mr Reed, who has run the Stonegate Group-owned pub since 2019, said National Insurance hikes from 13.8% to 15% in 2024 had already increased wage bills significantly.
Staffing and Rent Pressures Add to Woes
With eight staff members, Mr Reed has halted recruiting, forcing more work on himself. He also fears rent increases when reassessed in two years. 'Combined with the rate increases it makes me seriously consider whether it's worth carrying on,' he added.
Village Cricket Controversy Mirrors Real Struggles
In a parallel to the pub's troubles, Archers listeners recently heard about bad feeling in Ambridge over secret payments to cricket players last season, leading to relegation. Club captain Freddie Pargetter called a meeting at The Old Bull but forgot to attend, prompting concerns about the team's future.
The Old Bull's rich history includes visits from Archers creator Godfrey Baseley, and it remains a social hub for Inkberrow, much like its fictional counterpart. As policy changes threaten its survival, the pub's plight highlights broader challenges facing rural hospitality businesses across England.
