‘Use it or lose it’: Glensway Bar issues heartfelt plea as rising costs threaten future of village pub

The Glensway Bar in Martinstown

The owners of the Glensway Bar in Martinstown have issued an emotional appeal to the local community, warning that the future of the village pub is at risk unless customer support increases.

In a candid message shared with customers, the family-run business said it has spent months debating its future amid mounting financial pressures, describing the post as both “an immediate warning” and “a cry for help”.

The appeal comes as many independent pubs across Northern Ireland continue to face soaring operating costs, changing customer habits and increasing challenges in remaining financially viable.

Owners say mounting costs are becoming unsustainable

The Glensway Bar said it has been hit by rising wholesale prices, increased utility bills, higher wage costs and growing supply expenses, alongside the many fixed costs involved in running a licensed premises.

The business highlighted ongoing outgoings including music royalties, entertainment licensing, fire and security systems, insurance, water charges, waste collection, Sky TV and TNT Sports subscriptions.

Owners said that despite working long hours and doing everything possible to attract customers, trade has not reached the level needed to sustain the business.

“We simply can’t be any clearer,” they said.

“We can’t continue to sustain thousands of pounds in bills and have four people show in on a Sunday.”

£25,000 invested in improving the venue

The owners said that since taking over the Glensway Bar they have invested more than £25,000 in upgrading the premises for the benefit of the local community.

Those improvements include a fully equipped music lounge, a modern bar, a heated and covered beer garden with relaxed seating, and six televisions showing live sport.

They have also organised a wide range of events including live music, gigs, bingo nights and quizzes in an effort to encourage more people through the doors.

However, they say those efforts alone have not been enough to secure the pub’s future.

‘Please don’t lose our pub’

In their appeal, the owners urged residents not to assume the business has the financial reserves to absorb ongoing losses.

“If you want to keep your local this is an immediate warning to keep using it,” they said.

“Yes, it is a cry for help. We need the local community more than ever before.

“Please don’t lose our pub.

“You have been told – use it or lose it.”

Recognising the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on households, they stressed that every purchase, no matter how small, helps keep the business operating.

“We understand prices have gone crazy everywhere, but even buying a soft drink or some crisps can help.”

A challenge facing many local pubs

The Glensway Bar’s appeal reflects wider challenges facing independent licensed premises, particularly in rural communities where pubs often serve as important social and community hubs as well as businesses.

For many villages, the loss of a local pub represents more than the closure of a business. It can mean the disappearance of a valued meeting place that hosts social events, live entertainment and community gatherings.

The Glensway Bar’s message leaves little doubt about the seriousness of its position, with the owners making it clear that the level of local support in the weeks and months ahead could determine whether the doors remain open.