The Cyder House Inn, a cherished country pub in the village of Shackleford near Godalming in the Surrey Hills, has announced it will close its doors for the final time on August 2, leaving locals devastated. The owners, Chelsey Ballard and Shaun Hayter, cited rising costs and the challenging economic climate as the primary reasons for the closure, describing the decision as the hardest they have ever had to make.
Owners Cite Rising Costs and Industry Challenges
In a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook, Ballard and Hayter wrote: "After 8 unforgettable years, this is the hardest post we’ve ever had to write. With broken hearts, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to leave The Cyder House. Sadly, with the current economic climate and the challenges facing the hospitality industry, we can no longer keep going."
The owners highlighted the grim statistics facing the British pub trade, noting that two pubs are closing every day across the country. "We fought with absolutely everything we had to avoid becoming another statistic," they said. "We did everything we could, but with costs continuing to rise across the board, we’ve reached a point where we simply have no other choice."
Industry Data Shows Alarming Closure Rates
According to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), 161 pubs shut their doors across Britain in the first three months of 2026, averaging almost two closures per day—a 26% jump compared to the same period last year. The BBPA has warned that around 2,300 pubs could close by 2029-30 without meaningful reform. The closures are driven by skyrocketing staffing costs, high business rates, and heavy tax burdens that consume roughly a third of every pint sold, combined with inflation on energy and food, leaving independent venues with razor-thin profit margins.
Community Reacts with Shock and Sadness
The Cyder House Inn, described on TripAdvisor as a "beautiful country pub serving delicious home-cooked food" and known for its Sunday roasts, extensive vegan options, and scenic countryside walks, has been a hub of the community. Devastated regulars flooded social media with messages of support. One wrote: "So sad to read this—you were our favourite pub in the area due to the amazing vegan options. You will be sadly missed."
Even the pub's chef expressed heartbreak, commenting: "Thanks for all your support everyone. I'm one of the chefs there, along with the owner. I've lived above the pub by myself for two years nearly. Ergo, I'm also losing my home. Never did I see this coming when I started here."
Financial Hardship and a Plea for Support
Ballard and Hayter revealed that the closure leaves them facing significant debt. In a brave plea, they asked patrons for help: "We’re leaving with heavy hearts and, unfortunately, a significant amount of debt. If anyone would like to support us as we try to close this chapter and start a new one, any donations—no matter how small—would be appreciated more than we could ever put into words."
Reflecting on their time at the pub, they said: "Over the last eight years, we’ve poured our blood, sweat and tears into this place. It hasn’t just been a business to us—it’s been our life. We’ve celebrated with you, laughed with you, cried with you, and shared so many special moments."
Final Call for One Last Pint
The owners urged punters to visit the pub before it closes: "This isn’t how we wanted our story to end, but we leave with countless memories and enormous gratitude for every single one of you. We hope you’ll come and raise one last glass with us before we close our doors for the final time."
