15/06/2026
After a great deal of thought, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to give notice on The Prince Albert.
In six months’ time, our journey here will come to an end.
This pub has been our home for almost seven years. We’ve built friendships, celebrated milestones, raised money for good causes, laughed, sang karaoke, hosted events, and created memories that we will cherish forever. Making this decision has been heartbreaking, but unfortunately it is one we can no longer avoid.
Many people ask why independent pubs are disappearing, and the truth is that the costs of running a business like ours have become unsustainable.
For us, the beginning of the struggle came during the energy crisis. As prices rocketed following the war in Ukraine, we were advised into an energy contract that, at the time, seemed like the lesser of two evils. The result was electricity bills reaching around £4,500 per month – costs that no small independent business can easily absorb. Although we later reached an arrangement with our supplier, we are still dealing with the impact of those decisions years later.
Since then, costs have continued to rise across the board. Rent and associated property costs now exceeded double what we were paying at the start. Supplier prices have increased significantly and have never returned to previous levels. Sky Sports and TNT Sports subscriptions continue to climb, while recent increases to business rates, National Insurance contributions and other operating costs have placed even more pressure on businesses like ours.
At the same time, households everywhere are feeling the squeeze, meaning fewer people can afford regular visits to their local pub. We completely understand that, but it has created a perfect storm that has made continuing here financially impossible.
This is not a decision we wanted to make.
To every customer who has walked through our doors, every member of staff past and present, every musician, entertainer, quiz team, sports supporter, karaoke singer and friend we’ve made along the way – thank you.
You have made The Prince Albert what it is, and we will never forget it.
We still have up to six months left, and we’re determined to make them count. There will be plenty of great nights, plenty of laughs, and when the time comes, we will announce our final day and throw one hell of a farewell party.
If there is one thing we’d ask, it’s this: support your local pubs, cafés, restaurants and small businesses. They need your support now more than ever. If you have a favourite local business, don’t assume it will always be there. Use it, support it, and make it part of your week.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for six unforgettable years.
Zoë, Phil & Alex ❤️
