Owner of recently closed Norfolk pub warns others could suffer the same fate

The Horse and Groom in Rollesby closed this time last week, citing rising bills and low footfall

Sarah Longley took on the lease 18 months ago
Author: Tom ClabonPublished 10th Mar 2023

The owner of a Norfolk pub and hotel which recently closed is warning other small businesses could suffer the same fate - thanks to cost of living pressures

The Horse and Groom in Rollesby near Great Yarmouth shut it's doors this time last week, citing rising bills and low footfall.

"Footfall right from day one was very, very hard"

Sarah Longley took on the lease 18 months ago:

"We were opening up for 9:30 for breakfasts and going right through. We were here for silly hours and that's fine if you're making a bit of money from it, but if you're opening up a bill for £3,000 at the end of it, it's not nice".

"Footfall right from day one was very, very hard. We have pushed and did events like chicken nights, jacket potato night, craft clubs. So we kept pushing, but by the end of it we were at our wits end".

"I don't think I'd ever go back into owning a cafe or a pub"

"I'm absolutely worn out physically and emotionally. I think if we could carry on with the Pizza vans as we were before we took on this place, that was a lot less stressful. But I don't think I'd ever go back into owning a cafe or a pub".

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