A Derbyshire pub is closing its doors for the final time after its landlord was hit by rising costs – which left it unsustainable to continue welcoming customers.

The Tavern at Tansley, which is located on Nottingham Road and dates back to the late 1700s, closed its doors on Saturday, July 5.

The pub was taken on by new landlord Gareth Richards in August 2022. Before this, the venue was closed and rundown, having lacked a permanent publican and only being open intermittently after the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tavern subsequently underwent a £210,000 refurbishment back in November 2023 – transforming both the interior and exterior of the pub.

A post on the pub’s Facebook page licensee Gareth said: “This is never a post we wanted to make, but unfortunately we have had to make the decision to close The Tavern.

The Tavern at Tansley has closed its doors.

placeholder image — The Tavern at Tansley has closed its doors.

“Between rising costs in wages, VAT, business rates, rent, our stock and utilities, it is no longer sustainable for us to keep going. Even if we were getting more people through the door, we are fighting a losing battle against everything else. We are not alone in having financial struggles, and we understand that the strain most people are under - both personally, and in business. But we are running at a loss here, and after so long of ticking by week by week, we are at a stage now where we can no longer keep going.

“We want to take this time to thank all of our regulars who have kept coming in week after week, and have supported us since we opened our doors four years ago. You welcomed us to Tansley with open arms, and we are so grateful to everyone who has been a part of our short-lived history here.

“We know from your feedback that you all love what we offer here, but without the footfall we need to keep the lights on, the staff paid, and the beer on order, we unfortunately don’t have another choice.

“Thank you to all the staff who have been a part of the team here at The Tavern, past and present. We could not have gone on for as long as we did without your dedication.”

After searching for his dream pub for over a decade, Gareth took over The Tavern in August 2022. The venue was closed and rundown, having lacked a permanent publican and only being open intermittently after the pandemic. This week Gareth said: “Between rising costs in wages, VAT, business rates, rent, our stock and utilities, it is no longer sustainable for us to keep going."

The revamp of the Grade II listed pub also saw three unused en-suite letting rooms brought back into use, and turned a back room into a 40-seater function space – complete with its own bar and opening directly onto the garden.

Those with outstanding bookings for The Tavern will be contacted this week – including any dinner reservations, bed & breakfast accommodation or events.