A beloved east London pub, The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green, is facing an existential threat. New assessments have revealed it’s been designated the “most f*ed” venue in London, staring down a staggering 632.1% increase in business rates.
This isn’t a modest adjustment; it translates to an extra £70,800 annually – more than six times the rate hikes impacting other businesses in the surrounding area. The assessment, based on a building’s size and location, has left the pub’s owner reeling.
Andy Kerr, who has poured eleven years into building a thriving local establishment, is now facing an impossible choice. “It is absolutely crazy,” he stated, describing the packed weekend crowds. “But how can I possibly afford this? I’ll have no choice but to close the business.”
The Sun Tavern, known for championing independent brands, is a relatively small venue, seating only 60 people. Kerr is baffled by the disproportionate increase, especially when compared to larger establishments nearby experiencing far smaller adjustments.
The situation isn’t unique to The Sun Tavern. A growing list of pubs across London are grappling with crippling rate increases. The Spread Eagle in Wandsworth faces a 622.4% jump, while Nags Head Peckham is looking at a 613.3% rise.
The Bank of Friendship in Highbury (537.8%), The Clarence Tavern in Stoke Newington (514%), and The Pelton Arms in Greenwich (479%) are also among those facing financial ruin. The Wickham Arms, Beaten Docket, Dog and Bell, and Village Green round out the top ten most affected.
The looming end of Covid-era relief measures in April will only exacerbate the problem, triggering revaluations for many businesses. This comes at a time when the hospitality industry is already struggling to recover.
Kerr laments the lack of communication from authorities regarding the dramatic increase. “No one has come out to see me or talk to me about the increases, so I don’t understand why ours has gone up so much.” He acknowledges his pub’s popularity, stating even a doubling of rates would have been manageable.
A recent poll reveals a grim outlook for pubs nationwide, with nearly three in ten fearing they won’t survive the coming year. The British Beer and Pub Association warns that, at the current rate, the UK could lose one pub every single day.
The crisis has sparked concern at the highest levels, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressing particular worry about the impact on pubs. But for many owners like Andy Kerr, the future remains uncertain, hanging precariously in the balance.
The data, compiled by a new website analyzing official figures from the Valuation Office Agency, paints a stark picture. Pubs facing over 200% increases are labeled “Absolutely F*ed,” while those with 100-200% jumps are simply deemed “F*ed.”
