Heartbreak as beloved UK pub that's 400 years old has to close for good

A wave of sadness swept through the community of as the beloved Rose and Crown pub poured its final pint after failing to secure a new tenant. The establishment has stood for over 400 years before having to .

In an emotional message shared on Facebook, longtime licensee Maggie confirmed the pub would close on Friday, April 25, marking the end of an era for the centuries-old local favourite. "So sad that my beautiful pub will close," she wrote. "I would have loved to have handed over to a new tenant, but it's not to be... hopefully it will reopen soon."

Maggie's heartfelt farewell to patrons drew dozens of tributes from loyal customers. Many shared memories of good times spent at the pub, affectionately known as "The Rosa," while others lamented the state of the industry.

"It's very sad another pub is closing," one local commented. "Think we should all congratulate Team Rosa... I'm sure you will be missed by many."

In a follow-up post ahead of the final day of trading, Maggie described her four years at the helm as "the best of my life," despite the mounting financial pressures. "The Rosa was intended to be my final pub... unfortunately life has other ideas," she said, adding that she'll miss the "lovely customers, the amazing roads, and the stars which shine so much brighter in Warminster."

Speaking to , Maggie described the pub's closure as "a sign of the times," revealing the financial toll of trying to keep it afloat. "I'm so in debt from trying to keep it running," she admitted. "Eventually I had to say enough, as much as I didn't want to."

The pub's closure comes amid a broader crisis in the UK pub sector.

According to the Campaign for Real Ale, 303 pubs across England, Scotland, and Wales closed in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Over 1,000 were left empty in 2024, with hundreds more converted into shops or housing.

Recent cuts to business rates relief have added further financial strain to small and independent pubs across the country.

Despite its closure, there remains a glimmer of hope for the Rose and Crown. The pub is still listed as available for a five-year tenancy by Admiral Taverns, the community-focused company that owns the property.

On its website, the group praised Maggie for building "a strong foundation" and is actively seeking a new operator "who will embrace all aspects of running a drinks-focused pub."

Located just outside Warminster's town center, the pub's prime position and rich history could yet offer a fresh start, if the right tenant can be found.