Huntingdon pub owner to leave The Barley Mow in Hartford

Neil Clements, who took over The Barley Mow in Hartford two years ago, announced “with an extremely heavy heart” that he is leaving the premises later this year.

In a post on the pub's Facebook page, he said: “It has taken a huge effort form our amazing staff, led by Claire, to assist me in turning this great pub around into a lovely place to visit once again.

"Unfortunately, the industry is in a major decline, which doesn’t seem to be cared about."

The Barley Mow in Hartford, Huntingdonshire (Image: Newsquest) Mr Clements added: “Rising costs, like every business and household, are really taking a hold and, unfortunately, despite us trading well, the constant rising costs have now made it unable to continue.

“If we put our prices up, I risk the loss of custom," he said, citing "stiff competition all around, who are able to charge a lot less than we can".

He said that he has informed the brewery of his departure but "will continue to ensure we trade in exactly the same way until our last day".

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“I want to pass the pub on to someone that will not have to build up and change the reputation like I did two years ago," Mr Clements added.

“I want the customers that have come back to be able to continue to have a great pub to visit."

He also said that, while there is no confirmed departure date, it will be around the end of June.

Mr Clement ended the social media post by saying: “This isn’t a goodbye message just yet.

"We are still here, have loads going on and still have lots of time to see you – starting this evening with live music.”