Almost 1,300 pubs closed last year

New research has found that 25 pubs have closed every week, with many being switched to alternative uses such as homes and offices.

Experts have said rising business rates, a property tax levied on firms, are partly to blame for the pub closures.

According to data from real estate adviser Altus Group, 1,292 pubs have disappeared from the high street, which also means they are not contributing to the Government’s business rates pot.

Retailers and restaurant groups have been hit by similar cost pressures, and have been contending with wage increases, alongside a fall in footfall and consumer spending.

This has triggered a string of high-profile administrations within the sector. Most recently, the North West based Gaucho group went into administration closing its Cau restaurants.