Finchley pub leaseholder fears closure within six months

Stephanie Lambie, who holds the lease for The Fishmonger's Arms in Southgate and The Queen's Head in Winchmore Hill, has expressed grave concerns about the future of her businesses. She stated that escalating operational expenses and persistent profit challenges may lead to the closure of The Fishmonger's Arms within the next six months. Lambie told the Enfield Dispatch that the situation leaves her and her partner, Kevin, "scared for our future, because this is our home."

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Lambie highlighted that making a profit in the pub industry has become exceedingly difficult. Many leaseholders are bound by brewery agreements that dictate alcohol prices, preventing them from sourcing cheaper supplies. For The Fishmonger's Arms, a substantial annual expense is its Sky Sports subscription, costing £30,000, which is considered essential for customers expecting live sports coverage. Additionally, rising wages must be passed on to customers, creating a difficult balance for leaseholders.

"This is our livelihood and we’re not making money," Lambie stated, as reported by the Enfield Dispatch. "We can’t afford to pay the bills, and we don’t get help from the breweries at all."

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The difficulties faced by pubs are part of a wider national crisis. The British Beer and Pub Association has estimated that the UK could lose one pub per day by the end of 2026, potentially resulting in 5,000 job losses and a significant reduction in tax revenue. While the government has announced a 20% business rate cut for pubs in England, Lambie expressed scepticism about its impact. She told the Enfield Dispatch, "I have zero confidence in the government. They talk the talk, but they’re not going to do anything."

Lambie noted that since taking on the lease for The Queen's Head in June, she has not yet seen a return on her investment. Despite recent renovations at The Fishmonger's Arms aimed at improving its financial standing, rising rent and ongoing profit difficulties present a significant threat. "So much love went into the pub," she said. "That’s what makes it really upsetting."

Community Impact

Beyond financial concerns, Lambie emphasised the social importance of pubs like The Fishmonger's Arms. She described how regulars use the establishment for social interaction and mutual support, noting that absences are felt within the community. The pub also serves as a safe space, as demonstrated when staff assisted children being pursued by a gang by contacting the police. Lambie fears that without adequate support, such community hubs will disappear, predicting that "in ten years, there will be hardly any pubs left."