A UK town’s oldest pub has announced its closure after almost 500 years of business. The Hole in the Wall, in Torquay, took to social media to confirm it will cease trading from Sunday, April 13.

The iconic pub, located in Park Lane near the town’s busy harbour, is believed to have opened in 1540. Over the years it has welcomed smugglers, seadogs, locals and holidaymakers for a drink.

The Hole in the Wall is known for its authenticity, with cobbled floors, low beamed ceilings and warm atmosphere. As well as the pub area, the Grade II listed property has a 70-seat restaurant.

It featured in the latest edition of the The Good Beer Guide. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) named The Hole in the Wall as one of seven pubs to visit in the Torbay area.

However, after recent speculation, the pub confirmed it will close next month in a post on Facebook. It thanked customers for their support over the years.

Most Popular Comments

“Socialism in action kids ……I hope people can save this historic public house and not allow the socialists to destroy this little part of our …”

Advertisement

 17

“To be the latest mosque,one presumes ?” 17

“labours ever rising taxation is going to drive many businesses to the wall the only …” 17

JOIN THE DEBATE

The pub said in a post on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we announce that the Hole In The Wall will cease trading from the close of Sunday, 13th April 2025. We’d like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created, to add to the centuries’ more storied history here at the Hole. Whilst every attempt has been made to contact customers who have bookings with us on Dojo for after this date, not everyone has been reached as yet, but we’ll keep trying.”

A number of people took to the comment section to respond to the news. Heather Louise wrote: “Aww no so sad. Only managed to visit this perfect pub for the first time last year on holiday, was really looking forward to coming back again! All the best for the future.”

Phil Cater added: “Saddening to read your post. A cracking little community boozer, traditional in every sense of the word, lost due to the shortsightedness of the ‘powers that be’. Downright disgraceful. Shall miss our occasional visits greatly.”

Ian Bidgood wrote: “Will definitely miss you at the hole in the wall when visiting Torquay always been in for a meal and always been cracking food.”

Gary Coombes commented: “Oh no this is very sad, had many a great time whilst on holiday in Torquay always on our list for drinks, entertainment and food. Our visits won’t be the same again without this little gem.”