South West pub near M5 to suddenly close down
The Weary Traveller, a beloved pub near the M5 motorway known for hosting its own music festival, has announced it will be closing its doors due to the challenging times facing the industry. The pub in Cullompton, near the Somerset border, affectionately referred to as The Dermot O'Leary or Knackered Nomad by locals, has been managed by Sadie and Steve Nash for the past three years.
The couple, who also operate The Farmers Union in Exeter, have decided to end their tenancy with the Stonegate Group, citing financial viability as the reason for their decision. The pub, located on Station Road just off junction 28 of the M5, will close this Sunday, January 19, as DevonLive reports.
This marks the end of the popular annual Wearyfest, which always boasted an impressive line-up of local cover bands. The Weary Traveller is also renowned for its Sunday carvery, bi-weekly quizzes, and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
READ MORE: Huge new shopping centre to open off M5
READ MORE: The world's longest serving KFC worker lives in Taunton
In a post on its Facebook page yesterday, January 16, it announced: "To all our loyal customers and followers of The Weary Traveller. It is with sadness that Steve and I will be closing The Weary Traveller on Sunday, January 19, at 7pm.
"We have had a great three years here, which have included three amazing Wearyfests, met some lovely people and we would like to sincerely thank all our customers from the last three years.
"Unfortunately, due to constant rising utilities, employment costs, food costs and very healthy competition in the town, it's no longer financially viable for us to carry on. We are a tied house so we are unable to compete with the prices the freehouses in the town can offer.
"We would like to say a big thank you to all of our current team for all your hard work and support. It's been a great year working with you all; we wish you all the best with your future.
"Also not forgetting anyone that has worked for us over the last few years, thank you. We hope to see you over the next few days before we leave. If ever you are In Exeter, you will find us at The Farmers Union by the Clock Tower. Goodbye Cullompton; it's been a blast."
It has sparked an outpouring of support from regulars, locals and those who have visited the pub in the past.
One person said: "What a great shame after so much hard work and good service to Cullompton." Another added: "So sorry to read this ! Loved coming down there over the years especially with my dogs. You will be missed massively."
Messages of support have also been sent from local bands who have played at the pub. The Dockneys said: "Sorry to hear that Sadie and Steve. Thank you so much for inviting us to play at Wearyfest and the pub over the years. We look forward to playing for you at The Farmers Union."
Landlord Steve told DevonLive that they have seen a steady decline in trade for the past two-and-a-half years, but particularly within the past year. He said delayed plans to build a new train station in the town and a second M5 junction and bridge at Cullompton has also not helped trade.
He said: "Our last Wearyfest was 40 per cent down because it was so cold and the weather was so horrible. Business has then declined over the past six months.
"We have tried lots of different things but it hasn't worked with rising costs to sustain staying open. It's a very difficult time for everyone and we just can't carry on with what we are doing as we are losing money.
"It has been a very hard decision to make. It's horrible because we know this pub could do so well but not within the climate we're in.
"What hasn't helped is that some days it is gridlocked with traffic outside and I can't see that improving with the new plans because you will have the same amount of traffic but just from another direction. It will still cause issues from the roundabout here.
"I would like to hope the pub will reopen but it depends if anyone is willing to take the risk in this type of environment and landscape. It's a very difficult time for pubs.
"We will now be just concentrating on The Farmers Union which is a very different pub to here and is doing well."
Stonegate Group is currently advertising for someone to take on a fixed-term tenancy at the pub. It states the forecast turnover per year is £462,411 and the guide rent per week is £575.