A CHERISHED pub linked to an iconic TV show has announced it will close.
The owners confessed it had made an ‘incredibly difficult’ decision.
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The Python’s Arms pub has announced it will pull its final pint at the end of May.
The pub has been part of Penhros Court, in Hertfordshire, since it opened two years ago.
The boozer acquired its name because the late actor Terry Jones, who starred in the legendary Monty Python, had run a Brewery in Penrhos Court.
In honour of the late star’s famous work, the pub was dubbed the Python’s Arms.
A number of neighbouring holiday cottages and cafe will also close, according to the pub.
These have been a staple of Penhros Court for almost a decade.
In a heartbreaking statement on Facebook, the pub’s owners told regulars: “This is so incredibly difficult to write.
“It’s been over nine years since our adventure at Penrhos began and during that time as with all businesses, we’ve experienced our share of highs and lows with the pandemic being an obvious example.
“However we’ve continued to grow and expand into the three elements we now operate.
“The Cattle Shed Cafe, The Threshing Barn holiday cottages and more recently The Python’s Arms pub.
“The reception and support we’ve received from our guests has been truly humbling and it’s been a regular concern that car parking for around 40 vehicles just wasn’t enough!
“All three aspects of the business are now award winning and with the holiday cottages being described as “Word Class” in reviews, we really couldn’t be more proud.
“With all that said it’s no secret that the British hospitality industry is struggling with the catastrophic decisions taken by both the past and present governments pushing more and more venues to the wall.
“Sadly, Penrhos isn’t immune to skyrocketing overheads, and try as we might, the figures just don’t stack up anymore.”
The Python’s Arms and the Cattle Shed will remain open until the evening of June 1.
Meanwhile the holiday cottages will shut the following morning, after their final guests depart.
The owners were plentiful in their praise of customers and staff, saying: “We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to all our guests and customers, many of whom have become great friends over the years.
“And above all to our wonderful, fabulous, brilliant staff, many of whom have now become family.”
The Python’s Arms is closing amidst an incredibly tough time for pubs across the nation.
Last year, 412 pubs closed in England and Wales, at a rate of more than 34 per month.
According to analysis by real estate adviser Altus Group, this was a 6.7% increase on pub closures compared with 2023.
The total number of pubs in the UK has dropped below 39,000 for the first time.
This number is set to decrease further following increases to national insurance for employers in Rachel Reeves’ autumn budget.
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