Banbury town centre pub closes after 16 months of operation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 17:02 · Archive

The Banbury Cross Inn has closed after its operators said the business was no longer financially sustainable.

The Banbury Cross Inn in Butchers Row has closed with immediate effect after around 16 months under its current management. Owners Jon and Rachael said the decision had been made "with a very heavy heart" after the business was no longer financially sustainable.

The operators attempted to increase trade through drinks promotions, live music, DJs, karaoke nights and community events over several months. However, they said trade became increasingly unpredictable, with profitable weeks often followed by several weeks of losses. They blamed soaring costs across the hospitality industry, including energy bills, business rates, wages and National Insurance contributions, saying independent pubs were facing "one financial blow after another".

Despite the closure, the building will remain occupied and maintained with CCTV in operation. The pub's regular karaoke night is due to move to Jordan's Bar, and alternative arrangements have been made for entertainment bookings. The operators said they hoped the pub would one day have the chance to thrive again.

How it is being reported

• Popular Oxfordshire pub closes doors after just over a yearA well-known Banbury town centre pub has closed with immediate effect after 16 months.Oxford Mail · 13 Nov, 16:38
• Popular Oxfordshire pub closes doors after just over a yearA well-known Banbury town centre pub has closed with immediate effect after 16 months.Oxfordshire Guardian · 13 Nov, 16:38

In this story: Banbury Cross Inn · Banbury · Butchers Row · Jordan's Bar

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