The Notley Arms, Monksilver

Russell and Jane Deary would like to thank all their loyal customers and friends who over the past six years have supported them. However regret to announce that on the Tuesday 12th January 2010, The Notley Arms ceased to trade under their names.

Unfortunately over the past three years, the pub has been unable to operate on a economic and commercial level, with overheads outstripping income. The cost of all our utilities (rates, rent, food and fuel) over the years has risen enormously, yet we have felt unable to pass on these increases through our prices to our customers. The smoking ban took away some of our trade, and the recent recession decreased it further. We can no longer subsidise the pub with long working hours and no profitable return. Whilst we thank a number of the our community, it has become apparent that the majority do not feel the need these days for a rural village pub.

We have made several appeals through a rates tribunal with West Somerset district council, requests to Enterprise Inns (our landlords) for help, and to our bank. However none of these organizations were willing to help or cared for the future of this rural pub. The Notley Arms has been on the market for a while now, but there have been no interested buyers.

Therefore we have had no choice but to close our doors.

Russell is returning to Zimbabwe, to try and reclaim his farm, whilst Jane, Peter and Lucy will stay in West Somerset, which they now consider to be their home, and also to finish Peter and Lucy's education.