The landlords of a traditional pub near the M5 motorway which hosts its own music festival have announced its imminent closure, saying the industry is facing ‘a very difficult time’.
The Weary Traveller in Cullompton, known as The Dermot O’Leary or Knackered Nomad to locals, has been run by Sadie and Steve Nash for the past three years. The couple, who also run The Farmers Union in Exeter, have decided not to continue their tenancy with the Stonegate Group stating that it is no longer ‘financially viable’ for them to keep running it.
The pub in Station Road, just off junction 28 of the M5, will close this Sunday, January 19. It marks the end of it popular annual Wearyfest which always attracted a great line-up of local cover bands.
Inside The Weary Traveller in Cullompton
(Image: The Weary Traveller)
The Weary Traveller is also well-known for its carvery every Sunday, fortnightly quizzes and being a pub that welcomes all ages.
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.
Inside The Weary Traveller in Cullompton
(Image: The Weary Traveller)
“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.
The Weary Traveller’s large beer garden
(Image: The Weary Traveller)
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.”
The busy road outside The Weary Traveller
(Image: Google Maps)
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.
The carvery at The Weary Traveller
(Image: The Weary Traveller)
“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.