A historic Nottingham pub has poured its last pint, sparking a community campaign to safeguard its future. The Plough Inn on St Peter's Street in Radford closed its doors for the final time last month, a casualty of soaring costs and dwindling trade.
Community Rallies to Save Beloved Local
In response to the closure, members of Nottingham's Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have launched a bid to have the pub declared an Asset of Community Value. This designation, which the pub previously held until it lapsed in 2021, would require any future sale to be flagged to the community, giving locals a six-month window to mount a rescue bid.
CAMRA secretary Andrew Ludlow confirmed the action, stating: "We have received a number of requests from locals who feel strongly that the pub is part of the local community and its loss would detrimentally impact on local residents." The fear is that The Plough Inn could follow the fate of other pubs in the area, which have been converted into housing, shops, or offices.
The Harsh Economics Behind the Closure
The pub's operator, Nottingham Brewery, revealed the stark financial reality that led to the closure. The establishment was losing approximately £1,000 per week, with one recent weekday's takings plummeting to a mere £80. Richard Whittaker, the owner of Nottingham Brewery, explained the unsustainable situation.
"Wages were £200+, never mind the gas and the electric, water, the council tax and everything else," Mr Whittaker said. "It's not been viable for three or four years." He expressed a poignant frustration, noting that when the closure was announced on Facebook, it received 300 interactions. "Our comment would be if every one of them had gone in the pub and bought a pint we'd still be operating."
The building is now being marketed to let for £20,000 per year, with the brewery stating that anyone willing to take on the challenge is welcome to try.
A Pub with a Rich History and an Uncertain Future
Built in the 1920s, The Plough Inn was no ordinary pub. It was a five-time consecutive winner of the Nottingham CAMRA's Mild Trail best pint award and was cherished as a 'village pub in the city.' Its interior is noted for having 'some regional importance,' adding to its historical and architectural value.
CAMRA’s pub protection officer, David Smith, voiced his concerns: "If it closes for good then conversion to residential is most likely with the loss of a lovely local which has architectural interest." He also tempered expectations, cautioning that even with ACV status, "it is not a given that someone will be able to buy it as the legislation has no teeth to use compulsory purchase powers to save it."
The context of the area's changing demographics was also cited as a factor. Mr Whittaker described the shift from a 'thriving community pub' where locals stopped off after work to an area now dominated by imposing student blocks.
Planning permission has already been granted for five townhouses on the Nottingham Brewery site at the rear of the property. However, Mr Whittaker defended against claims that the owners are eager developers, highlighting the significant investment poured into just keeping the pub and brewery running over the past two-and-a-half years.
The community now awaits the decision on the ACV application, which is expected by the end of the year, in the hope that this cherished local landmark can be saved from last orders for good.
