Business owners continue to call for support as they warn of an uncertain future and the threat of closure due to rising energy costs

Pubs and brewers are at risk of closure within months amid price hikes upwards of 300 per cent, industry bosses have warned, with drinkers in line to stomach a hike in the cost of a pint.

It comes as several cafes and takeaways across the North East and North Yorkshire have announced their closure in recent weeks, saying their energy bills are unsurvivable.

And bosses of six of the UK’s biggest pub and brewing companies warned of “real and serious irreversible” damage to the sector if government help isn’t provided.

Read more: 'It's bleak' - Pub forced to shut for two days a week over 'unsurvivable' bills

Here are businesses in the region that have, sadly, announced their closure:

The Queen Victoria and Eaglescliffe Hotel, Stockton

The pubs, both on Yarm Road, called last orders on Monday night and Wednesday night this week, respectively.

Councillor Louise Baldock, who represents Stockton's Parkfield and Oxbridge Ward, said the rate that pubs are shutting is a ‘tragedy’ as they are often the last remaining community venue for people to gather in.

The Queen Victoria has been sold by pub company Admiral Taverns and may be turned into an adult education centre, The Northern Echo understands.

The former landlord of the Eaglescliffe Hotel has been contacted for comment.

The Northern Echo:

The George, Darlington

The town centre pub has closed after its licensee has handed back control of the historic venue to the owner due to financial costs and the physical toll of running it.

Announcing the news in an emotional statement on Sunday (August 28), the owners of The George, which is based on Bondgate in the town, revealed that they’d be stepping away from running the pub after six months at the helm.

Taking to social media on the official page of The George, the post set out to thank all the loyal customers of the pub – but the physical and mental drain, alongside the financial impact, was behind the decision to hand the pub back to its owners.

The Northern Echo:

The King's Head, Cockfield

The landlady of the pub shared the sad news that the cost of living crisis forced her to end her tenancy and reduce the pub's opening hours.

In an emotional statement, the landlady of the King's Head in Cockfield, Bishop Auckland, described her difficulties amid soaring bills.

In a statement, the landlady of the King's Head confirmed the opening of the pub's kitchen on a daily basis was no longer sustainable.

And although the community was thanked for supporting the pub, the landlady said 'there simply isn't enough money coming in to support it.'

The Northern Echo:

The Gate, Framwellgate Moor 

The Durham pub was forced to close its doors with ‘immediate effect’ after the owners have reportedly run out of money to invest in the facility – only six months after taking on the investment opportunity.

Despite investing £450,000 in the old community pub in 2021, which included a total revamp of the pub’s exterior and interior, neither the owners, Star Pubs & Bars, or licensees, David Hobson and Estelle McKee, could save the pub from closure.

Revealing the closure of the pub, yesterday, a message that was obtained by The Northern Echo and sent out to staff at The Gate read: “It is with a heavy heart and much disappointment that we are closing the pub with immediate effect.

“We have met some great people but unfortunately, we do not have any more money to invest, and Star Bars have shown no cooperation or support with regards to keeping the pub going."

Sydney's, North Yorkshire

A statment from the pub on social media, informing customers of the closure, reads: "The horrific economic impacts of the COVID pandemic and the crippling unforeseen cost of living crisis (rent rises of 17%, energy bill rise of 50%, food and drinks costs rise 30-50%, staff wages up 30%, and overall sales down 35%) have taken over like a tsunami and have made it impossible for us to carry on.

"In another time and under different circumstances we would have remained a permanent fixture in the community that is so dear to our heart."

Spice Club, County Durham

In a statement posted on social media, a spokesperson for the takeaway said: “I am gutted to announce that from today, we will be closing the takeaway.

“It has been one heck of a journey, seeing our customer base grow and evolving as a business during some of the most difficult times we have all faced.

“We have loved spending every minute making each of our customers smile and laugh, cooking up the food they love and brightening their night. That was our highlight of our job – the customers. Food really does bring everyone together.

“However in a crisis like these where we simply have no other choice, we will be closed until the foreseeable future.

Options, Norton

The family-run venue, which had become a popular spot on Teesside, had been known for serving up a mix of food and drink and had amassed largely positive reviews.

But announcing the closure, bosses said they could not continue due the "rising operational costs" hitting the business.

In an emotional post, they said: "We would like to inform you all that due to rising operational costs and personal matters that Options of Norton is now closed.

"We would like to thank all of our wonderful current team Options for being so loyal and supportive.

"Also the wonderful customers who have supported us from day one and wish you all the best for the future."

The Northern Echo: Phixx Coffee Lounge will close its doors after struggling with surging energy pricesPhixx Coffee Lounge will close its doors after struggling with surging energy prices (Image: The Northern Echo)

Phixx Coffee, Darlington

Phixx Coffee Lounge in Skinnergate, Darlington has announced it will be closing at the end of the month despite having its busiest two months.

Amy Alderson, 38, co-owner and manager of the coffee shop, said their energy bills had risen from £800 per quarter to £1,500 per month.

Ms Alderson made the announcement on social media on Saturday, 17 September the store would close due to these costs.

She told The Northern Echo: “We pay about £800 a quarter and the quotes we’ve been getting have been coming out at £1,500 a month.

“So essentially, it’s more than a weeks-worth of takings extra a month we need to find.

“The last few months have been great, busier than ever, that is just not doable.

“It’s the energy, that’s the killer at the minute. Especially with winter coming where it’s going to be quieter anyway, if it wasn’t for that we’d be absolutely fine.”

Bondgate Tavern, Darlington

The landlords of the pub announced via a Facebook post that they are closing the pub at the end of September.

The post, by Alison Gray, Neal Gray and James Nieslen says: "It's with great sadness that we have decided to close Bondgate Tavern.

"With the rise in running costs and the decline in footfall and with Darlington Council doing a lot in the middle of the town centre we can not keep going the way we are."

Read next:

If you want to read more stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here