Walking into the Spread Eagle in Wandsworth may not immediately reveal its dire situation. At first glance, it appears to be a pleasant establishment. The staff is friendly, the Guinness is top-notch, and the place is well-maintained. Despite it being early on a Thursday evening in January, there is a decent crowd of patrons. A sign outside advertises upcoming Six Nations matches to lift spirits during the winter season.
The Spread Eagle caters to a diverse clientele. During a recent visit, there was a man engrossed in a book enjoying a classic pub dish, two mothers with their children, and a group of marketers deep in business discussions. While it exudes a calm atmosphere on a Thursday evening, one can imagine it transforms into a vibrant hub on Saturday nights when rugby enthusiasts flock in, without disturbing the guests staying in the uniquely decorated rooms upstairs.
Although the Spread Eagle appears to be a thriving establishment, a recent study has identified it as the most challenged pub in London. Ben Guerin, a digital communications expert, has labeled it as such through his website, ismypubf***ed.com. According to Ben’s analysis, the pub is facing a staggering 622% increase in its rateable value, translating to a significant spike in its tax burden.
While the Spread Eagle is particularly hard-hit in London, it is just one of 5,000 pubs nationwide facing substantial property tax hikes. This alarming trend has raised concerns within the industry, with reports indicating that without adequate support, over 2,000 pubs could be forced to close this year.
The financial strain on pubs has been exacerbated by various factors, including rising business rates, minimum wage increases, and escalating operational costs. The impending changes have sparked a wave of advocacy from pub supporters, prompting potential revisions to ease the burden on struggling establishments.
In response to mounting pressure, the government is expected to announce reforms to business rates calculations for pubs to alleviate the financial strain faced by the sector. The revisions aim to mitigate the impact of recent tax hikes and provide much-needed relief to pub owners grappling with escalating costs.
Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, hailed the government’s decision to review business rates increases, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding the future of pubs across the country. This move is seen as a positive step towards supporting the hospitality sector during challenging times.
Despite these developments, Young’s, the owner of the Spread Eagle, declined to provide a comment on the situation.
