A once bustling Worcester pub, which has since been renovated into a chicken shop, has been used to highlight a 'UK pub crisis'.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), claims the UK is currently in a 'pub crisis' as according to their data, 29 pubs close every week because of sky-high energy costs and punters having less disposable cash. 

CAMRA used the Barley Mow in Worcester as a prime example of where a business has seen an opportunity to make a profit out of the decline of public houses. 

The Barley Mow, which closed in 2006 after severe flood damage, has now lost its traditional white paint which has made way for a striking matte black front after it was transformed into the Piri Co restaurant.

English pubs were the worst hit with 56 permanent closures between January and June 2023, compared to two in Scotland and three in Wales. 

Despite favourite pubs being lost, 127 new pubs opened in the first half of last year across the country, which is still down from 179 in the six months before. 

CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona blamed a 'perfect storm' hitting the UK pub industry.

He said: "Simultaneous economic crises have meant that pubs, social clubs and taprooms are balancing on a crumbling cliff edge, with too many already lost to the abyss.

"It is vital that these venues are marketed as going concerns and everything possible is done to secure their future as community pubs - including giving existing licensees first refusal of buying their pub."

CAMRA is now urging the Government to use the upcoming budget to halt the closure of pubs. 

Mr Antona added: "To put a stop to permanent closures of pubs CAMRA are urging the government to announce a tax cut on pints in pubs by 20 percent at the upcoming Spring Budget, which would help them compete with the likes of supermarkets and the off-trade.

"This would significantly help UK's pubs to stay open and thrive as community spaces in the future."