It has been in business since 793AD, survived the English Civil War, 17 recessions, two World Wars and five pandemics including the Black Death.
Now Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is battling to stay open as the cost of living crisis threats to cripple thousands of businesses across the UK.
The watering hole in St Albans, Hertfordshire, was driven to enter administration in February due to the financial impact of Covid-19 and bought by new owners.
Now, the alehouse is struggling again as it faces skyrocketing supply and energy costs.
The most up-to-date data warns up to three-in-four of Britain’s pubs are at risk of closing this winter due to rising costs.
Co-owner of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, Sam Walker, 39, said this winter will be one its biggest ‘tests’ yet.
General manager, Ronan Gaffney, 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.
Read more: ‘Britain’s oldest pub fighting for survival’ and may not survive energy crisis
