Top Devon gastropub forced to close due to 'economic downturn'

Devon gastropub the Five Bells Inn in Clyst Hydon has closed with its owners blaming the impact of "lockdowns and the economic downturn".

The pub was taken over by James and Charlie Garnham in 2017 and was recommended in the Good Pub Guide.

The team announced its closure on the pub's social media pages on 2 November and thanked its customers, staff, and suppliers for their support.

The post said: "It is with great sadness that James and Charlie have to announce the closure of the Five Bells Inn. Our doors are now closed.

"Lockdowns and the economic downturn that they have caused have left the business struggling financially and, in spite of the hard work of the team and the support of our customers, suppliers and our landlord, it is simply not possible to continue trading.

"We hope that new owners can be found in due course to re-open a fantastic pub."

The pub's former head chef Charlotte Vincent appeared on the 2022 series of Great British Menu but left to join Hotel Meudon near Falmouth in September.

The Five Bell's is the latest in a growing number of hospitality venues to announce their closure in the past few weeks, joining Andrew Pern's the Star Inn the Harbour in Whitby, Crockers Henley in Henley-on-Thames and Will Devlin's the Curlew in Bodiam.

More than a third of hospitality businesses are "on the brink" of going bust in early 2023 due to spiralling costs, according to recent report by four hospitality trade bodies.

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