Lye's Windsor Castle Inn announces closure before Christmas

The owners of The Windsor Castle Inn, on Stourbridge Road, Lye, have called time on the pub due to the impact of the cost of living crisis, Covid debts, and inflation. 

The independent pub, which is also home to Printworks Brewery and Dr Hardwickes Gin Bar, was put on the market earlier this year. The popular establishment also has a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor. 

In a post on Facebook, licensees Emily and Gareth Bedford announced the closure with "great sadness and a heavy heart" and said they were "immensely proud" of what they've achieved.

The bar at the Windsor Castle Inn (Image: Bond Wolfe)

In the post, made on Thursday (December 14), they said: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the closure of the Windsor Castle.

"As a family we are immensely proud of everything we have achieved over the past 17 years.

"From the quality of our traditionally brewed beers to our homemade food (especially our famous pies), we have always worked hard to produce the best that we can for our customers.

"But most of all we wanted to bring people together, in lovely surroundings, to enjoy a perfect pint or a bite to eat with those who have a shared love for the pub.

"Ultimately though, persistent inflation, Covid debts, the cost of living crisis and everything else that hospitality has endured over the past few years, being a small, independent business it is no longer viable for us to continue".

They added: "We can’t thank you enough for all the good times we have shared. We have loved your company, treasured your friendship and hope that you have some fun memories of us!

"Thank you to our incredible team for helping us along the way, we couldn’t have done it without you.

"If you have a reservation with us, have ordered anything online or have a voucher to spend with us, please bear with us and we will be in touch shortly.

"Thank you. With love Emily & Gareth".

Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb at Strangers’ Bar in Parliament with Emily and Gareth from The Windsor Castle in Lye (Image: Suzanne Webb)

Since the announcement was made hundreds of people have been sharing their sadness at the news on Facebook.

In reaction to the announcement, Rosalie Jennings said: "So sad for everyone at the Windsor. As has already been said, it was a proper pub.

"The food was consistently excellent. My heart goes out to everyone involved and I know it must have been an extremely stressful and heartbreaking time.

"I speak on behalf of my family as we have shared so many good times with you".

Julia Louise Marks said: "It will be a great loss to the community - it was a proper pub serving really fantastic food and drink.

Stourbridge business Ronnie's Wood-Fired Pizza described it as a "landmark pub" which will be missed.

Lisa Bradley said: Such sad news. I have lots of wonderful memories both working and drinking in the Windsor.

Roisin Mathers added: "So sad, your pub was one of the best in the area."