Riverside Inn owner shares cost of doing business

Andy Link, chef/patron of The Riverside Inn in Aymestrey, Herefordshire, has shared a breakdown of challenges currently facing him and his award-winning pub.

Link, who has won the National Pub & Bar Awards for the county of Herefordshire on a number of occasions, reached out to Pub & Bar to tell The Riverside's story, one that is no doubt familiar with many operators around the UK.

"Following the devastating challenges in April’s Budget, only to be hit again by the autumn one, it’s hard to carry on without raising my head above the parapet," he says. "Here are the hard facts facing small businesses such as pubs:

"Since April 2025, 66% increase in rates and council tax (2024 to 2025) and 60% increase in National Insurance Contributions (2024 to 2025).

"To put it bluntly, our costs increased by £110,000 this year alone. And overall, since April, the hospitality industry faces an additional £3.4bn tax burden.

"As though that wasn’t enough, we now face increases in business rates of 186% by 2026/27."

A few local examples 

Link says that local examples of increased rateable value since the Autumn Budget are "eyewatering".

"Riverside Inn (us): from £42,750 to £85,000 (98% increase); an average Ludlow hotel: from £56,000 to £145,000 (158% increase); an average Herefordshire pub: from £49,250 to £77,000 (56% increase)

"Compare the above to large supermarkets: a large Ludlow supermarket: £7,500 annual increase, just a 3% increase; a large Ludlow supermarket (out of town): £15,000 annual increase, again a 3% increase.

"By 2026/27, national business rates will increase by 76% for the average pub and 16% for major distribution warehouses (such as Amazon)

"What’s also distressing is that pubs and hotels are significant employers in rural communities. At The Riverside, we employ 36 hardworking and dedicated people.

"Beyond the numbers, there’s a mental health crisis and a loneliness epidemic; if we lose hospitality and move further into an online world, we’ll become ever more isolated. 

"The Great British pub is part of our culture and heritage - a community hub, a multi-generational meeting place, somewhere to celebrate special occasions and escape the stresses of daily life. We underestimate the social value of pubs at our peril.

"I have spoken to so many who run hospitality businesses who are now at breaking point. Of course, I believe businesses should support society through sensible taxation, but there will be nothing for anybody if we are taxed out of existence."

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