A RURAL pub in Radnorshire dating back to the 16th century has become the latest Powys business to feel the wrath of the energy crisis, after announcing it is closing at the end of the month.

The Fforest Inn – which dates back to 1548 and is thought to be one of the oldest pubs in Wales – announced on Saturday that it will be shutting its doors at the end of February.

Owners Nicky and Colin Williams, who have run the pub, located on the side of the A44 in Llanfihangel-nant-Melan, between Hundred House and New Radnor, for 8 years, took to Facebook to announce the news – describing the pub as “their world”.

“This is by far the hardest post I have ever had to make,” wrote Nicky.

“Like everyone we have been hit by massively escalating costs. But for a small, rural pub that is predominantly dependant on food, drink and energy, it is near impossible. Many costs are doubling, trebling or even quadrupling and the margin is no longer there.

“The Fforest Inn has been our home and our world for the last eight years – it has welcomed us, and our customers with open arms. To say that we are devastated would be an enormous under-exaggeration.

“And the decision has not been taken lightly. But sadly, from the end of February we have little choice but to close. The area is losing another important community asset.

“We are so sorry to all of our many wonderful and loyal customers. We will miss you. And we will cling on to the hope that one day, when the country has sorted itself out, the Fforest can open its doors again (hopefully with us at the helm).

“In the meantime, we would love to see you in our remaining days. We need support now, more than ever, and would love the opportunity to say goodbye. Thank you.”

Proof of the pub’s popularity was backed up by the swirl of attention it raised, with the post reacted to by more than 500 people, with over 200 comments left.

Randal Carey said: “So sorry Nicky and Colin; Jacqui and I have always enjoyed the warmth and atmosphere in the Fforest Inn.

“You have been great neighbours, but especially you have been close and caring friends. COMPLETLY GUTTED, you've worked so hard.”

OTHER NEWS:

Martyn Davies added: “We are so sorry to hear this. Devastated actually. Must have been such a hard decision to make.

“Thank you so much for your heart swelling hospitality, fab food and beer over the past years and sorry couldn't have enjoyed it more often. The comments above are testament to what you have achieved over the last eight years and this sort of love doesn't just go ‘pufff’ in a flash of smoke.

“So, have a sneaky feeling that you will be back. Really hope so.”

“I am beyond sorry and absolutely devastated to hear this,” said Azra Dale.

“My heart goes out to you Nicky and Colin. If there is anything we can possibly do to help you please do not hesitate to ask. Sending you love and hugs in gratitude. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”

A RICH HISTORY

The Fforest Inn is steeped in rich history – including murder, both fictional and real.

As well as being one of the oldest pubs in the country, it is also said to be the highest in Powys, and often experiences the worst of the weather when temperatures plummet.

Hundreds of years ago, many weary travellers would seek refuge at the Fforest from the impassable snow drifts that formed just past the inn on the road to Llandrindod Wells and Aberystwyth. The pub was the setting for a 1946 novel by H.L.V. Fletcher, called ‘The Forest Inn, which tells a story of romance and murder when a mail carriage is forced to stop and its passengers spend the night.

Going back further, the pub is also associated with an actual murder – that of local legend ‘Silver’ John Lloyd, a local sheep farmer and pub regular who became famous for his heavily laden and sparkly attire.

On his way home from a Michaelmas fair in nearby Builth Wells one night his horse-drawn cart arrived home alone. He wasn't found until early the next year when Mary, the daughter of the Fforest Inn’s landlord, was skating on Lyn Hilyn lake, behind the pub.

She fell and screamed, finding, frozen into the ice and looking up at her, the corpse of Silver John.

Want to stay up to date with all the top stories of the week from Powys? Click here to sign up for our weekly catch-up email newsletter and click on the + for the ‘Weekly Catch-Up’.