Heston Blumenthal calls for 'urgent' government action to protect British pubs

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has called for government action to protect British pubs.

The owner of The Hinds Head in Bray wants the government and licensees to take urgent action to halt the closure of thousands of pubs by drawing attention to the loss of these ‘national treasure’ sites.

Rising costs and shifting social habits have placed pubs under threat.

Recent analysis of Government figures showed 209 pubs had been demolished or converted for other uses in the first six months of the year.

The once ‘cornerstone of community life for centuries’ has seen accelerated closures amid mounting tax burdens and cost pressures on the sector, resulting in a closure per day.

Heston said more reform is needed after the ‘welcome’ announcement by the Treasury of its intention to lower business rates in the Autumn Budget.

The celebrity chef believes these rates disproportionately penalise pubs and other hospitality locations.

Permanently lowering the rate could be the difference in keeping businesses open, as 20 per cent VAT is regarded as one of the highest rates for hospitality in Europe.

The owner of the Michelin one-starred gastropub said: “Saving the Great British pub is about more than nostalgia – it is about preserving spaces that bring people together, support local economies and keep traditions alive.

“Pubs are at the heart of Britain’s social fabric, offering far more than just a place to buy a pint. The pub is a cultural icon, a national treasure and must be protected.

“When a pub closes, it’s not just a business lost; it’s a piece of local heritage and of course somewhere to enjoy a drink and delicious food with great company.”

Heston says innovation is needed to keep the British local alive and urges publicans to do more to raise consumer awareness and develop initiatives to encourage people to support their local pubs.

Heston acquired the 15th-century pub in 2004, and The Hinds Head was awarded a Michelin star in 2013, which it has retained ever since.

The gastropub has recently seen a 20 per cent increase in footfall after introducing various initiatives such as music nights, wine tastings, free ice cream for kids, a Christmas feast and extended opening hours.

A government spokesperson acknowledged in a statement that pubs are ‘vital to local communities’.

“That's why we’re cutting the cost of licensing, helping more pubs, cafes and restaurants offer pavement drinks and al fresco dining, and extended business rates relief for these businesses – on top of cutting alcohol duty on draught pints and capping corporation tax,” they added.

They said the government will publish an interim report in the coming weeks that sets out a clear direction for the business rates system, with further policy detail to follow at the Autumn Budget 2025.