The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has warned that the closure of the Jolly Woodman is "just the tip of the iceberg" of closures to come.

On Sunday, January 7, loyal punters and staff said a final farewell to a Burnham Beeches favourite, the Jolly Woodman.

The pub, situated on the edge of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire was known to be closing for several months following an announcement in November 2023.

It was understood that despite plans to keep the business afloat, Bucks Council refused to permit the addition of hotel-like rooms that would have brought in further income.

The closure came just months after the closure of icon hub The Herschel Arms and The Three Tuns in Slough.

Dave Hayward. Press Officer for Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead CAMRA said: "The closure of the Jolly Woodman marks the closure of one of the very last pubs in Slough - a huge loss for an area that is already struggling with a lack of hospitality options.

"As we know, pubs are often community hubs and indeed the cornerstone of the community. And as we also know, for each pub that closes - it's very unlikely that one will take its place.

"Our branch has seen multiple pub closures with Old Windsor, Slough, Maidenhead, Paley Street and our Bucks branch area all seeing closures in the past 12 months."

CAMRA have said they are growing very concerned about the continued trend of pub closures, which saw 2,000 pubs close nationwide in 2023.

"Signals show that 2024 could be the hardest year yet for the trade," Dave added.

"The cost of living crisis and high inflation has led to a pint price that is for many consumers unviable, and huge increases in operating costs, such as electricity, have made many pubs unviable.

"As it's external market forces that have led us here, we strongly feel the industry needs more government support. Speaking on behalf of our branch, A VAT cut for the retail leisure and hospitality industry to help counter these costs is sorely needed. A position I believe that is mirrored by CAMRA HQ.

"If nothing is done to help stop the rot then I fear this is the tip of the iceberg, which will have dramatic negative effects on mental health, on community and on local employment.

"People need the pub, and pubs need our support more than ever."

CAMRA Central Southern Regional Director Alexander Wright added: “This is a make-or-break time for the industry, and unless the Government steps up and uses the Budget in March to support consumers and our locals by cutting tax on pints in pubs by 20 per cent to help them compete with the likes of supermarkets, further closures in 2024 are inevitable." 

CAMRA is considered one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe. Founded by four real ale enthusiasts back in 1971, today we represent beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK.