One of England's oldest pubs that is located in Hertfordshire is “fighting for survival” as the cost of living crisis threatens to cripple businesses around the country.

After operating for more than 1,200 years, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans has opened up about the challenges pubs are currently facing – even though it survived five pandemics, 17 recessions and two world wars.

The pub claims to have been in business since the year 793 - before England was united under one monarch.

Watford Observer: Inside Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. Credit: SWNSInside Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. Credit: SWNS

Ronan Gaffney, general manager of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, said: “It’s outrageously more expensive.

"It’s not like at home where you can turn everything off but the fridge and freezer, we’ve got certain things that need to stay on for health and safety and general upkeep.

“And our light bill is 10 times more than what it is in a house because at home you can turn off all the lights except the one you’re in. But you can’t do that in a pub.

“So we don’t have a choice, we can’t really cut down on energy bills but we are being charged double the amount.”

Watford Observer: While serving customers for over 1,200 years, the pub went under different names. Credit: SWNSWhile serving customers for over 1,200 years, the pub went under different names. Credit: SWNS (Image: SWNS)

Now with winter on its way, Mr Gaffney warned pubs will see extra costs, and for many, less customers.

He added: “Winter for a lot of pubs, like my own, is the quiet season.

“If pubs don’t have an infrastructure or financial backing then I can imagine that a lot of them will struggle.”

Watford Observer: Many pubs could face a struggle this winter. Credit: SWNSMany pubs could face a struggle this winter. Credit: SWNS

Recent research has warned that up to three-in-four of Britain's watering holes are at risk of closing this winter due to rising costs.

Mr Gaffney said it is going to be a challenging time for pubs across the UK and it is a problem that can only be solved by those in authority and has called for the government to take action.

The publican added: “Pubs have done all they can since the start of the pandemic.

“They have been up in arms for the last three years and nothing has been done about it.

"The only thing to do now is to keep appealing to the government as it’s not just pubs that have been messed around, it is everyone.”

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