THE OWNER of the Gardeners Arms pub in Droitwich has moved to clarify the situation surrounding a planning application for the site.
Proposals have been submitted to Wychavon District Council to convert the building in to two separate homes.
Speaking to the Standard, Simon Berry, the landlord and owner, said: “Everyone knows pubs are struggling and many are closing.
“Licensees have to think about their futures.”
The pub trade has been struggling in recent years due to increased taxation on alcohol, considerable energy cost increases and the customers’ reduced disposable income.
The report in the planning documents also highlighted several unique challenges the Gardeners Arms faced, as well as the general issues all pubs encountered. These include the location in a cul-de-sac, with no passing trade and more centralised competition from other pubs in the town centre.
But, Mr Berry added, he and his wife Edith who runs the business with him, had no intention of leaving Droitwich.
“We are focusing on putting on more festivals and events in the town – they always go down really well and are helping put Droitwich on the map.
“We have also got to face facts – because of its the size and location – the Gardeners Arms is not commercially viable.
“As well as the festivals, we are currently in discussions regarding relocating to another central Droitwich location that would not have the issues the Gardeners faces and would be more commercially viable.”
The planning document report stated SaltFest had provided the business with a lifeline to mitigate other general shortfalls.
That trade had not come via the pub but from marquees selling food and drink during SaltFest and other similar events.
Mr Berry bought the pub in 2016 and in recent years it has been used more as a base for running the outdoor events, rather than as a drinking establishment.
The pair said they were also working with Visit Worcestershire on a major new tourism project.
Visit the planning portal at: wychavon.gov.uk and search for ‘W/26/00046/FUL’ to view the application.
