Clipston pub tenants forced to leave amid rising costs

The popular tenants of a village pub near Market Harborough say they are being forced to step away after rising costs made the business unsustainable.

The team behind The Bulls Head in Clipston say soaring energy bills, rent increases, higher beer prices, and rising employment costs have left them with no option but to leave after almost two years.

In a statement, they said: “This one’s tough. We tried, and we just can’t keep doing it. Our time here will shortly come to an end. Near enough 2 years to the day of opening the doors at The Bulls Head, we are now having to step away.”

The Bulls Head in Clipston

The team said rising costs across the board had made the business unviable, pointing to increases in energy, rent, beer prices, National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage.

The statement added that despite efforts to adapt — including menu changes, price adjustments and hosting events such as live music, quizzes and open mic nights — numbers were not enough to make the pub sustainable.

It continued: “We have tried and tried to find a solution… we have run out of options, and it hurts us just as much as it hurts you.”

They also thanked staff and customers for their support, and said they will work with the brewery to help find new operators for the pub as quickly as possible.

The pub closed its doors for the time being last night.

Customers have reacted with sadness to the news, praising the tenants for the atmosphere they created and their role in the village community.