Cumbria losing pubs at steady rate
Cumbria has lost 15 pubs in the past year, according to campaigners.
The closures have been described as a “gutting” and “devastating” loss to local communities.
Among those to shut are venues such as The Hare and Hounds Inn in Bowland Bridge and The Strickland Arms.
Campaigners say the trend is continuing, with concerns more pubs could follow.
A clear pattern across the county
The loss of 15 pubs in a single year highlights a steady decline across Cumbria.
For a largely rural county, each closure carries more weight.
In many areas, a pub is not just a business. It is often the only shared social space.
Once it closes, it is rarely replaced like-for-like.
How Cumbria compares nationally
Cumbria’s losses reflect a wider national trend, but at a smaller scale.
Across England and Wales:
- 366 pubs closed in 2025 (around one per day)
- Around 289 closed in 2024
Cumbria’s share may represent a small amount nationally, but this has a significant local impact. Given the county’s size and population.
The North West has also been among the harder-hit regions.
Why pubs are closing
Industry groups point to a combination of pressures:
- Rising energy costs
- Increased cost of living for both staff and clients
- Higher business rates
- Changing drinking habits
This combination of different factors makes it hard for even the most popular pubs.
Impact on communities
Campaigners warn the impact goes far beyond the venue itself.
Closures can lead to:
- Fewer places for social interaction
- Reduced footfall for nearby businesses
- Loss of local jobs
- Weaker community connections
In rural Cumbria, this effect is often immediate. Some villages are left without any pub at all. Meaning the community loses a place to socialise and people are forced to travel further or stay home.
A long-term decline
The trend is not new.
The number of pubs in the UK has been falling for decades due to economic and social changes.
However, recent closures appear to be accelerating. With more pressure on energy prices and uncertainty in supply chains this is expected to get worse. With industry data showing pub and bar business failures increasing in recent years.
What happens next
Campaigners are calling for stronger protections and financial support.
This includes reforming business rates and reducing tax pressures.
Without intervention, further closures are expected.
For Cumbria, the issue is not just economic.
It is about losing spaces that sit at the heart of local life.
