Landlord of The Crown Inn pub in Aldbourne to retire

Alan Walters has held the lease at The Crown Inn, a Stonegate Group-owned pub in Aldbourne, for 14 years but is finally stepping down from the helm.

The 76-year-old has increasingly felt squeezed by the pressure of huge rent demands and rising alcohol duties in recent years, after he was ordered to pay £54,000 worth of disputed rent arrears in April 2023.

The ruling was made after £62,876.62 of rent racked up during the Covid-19 lockdown, when the pub was closed, and Mr Walters' application for relief was denied.

Much-loved landlord Alan has faced increased financial pressure since the Covid-19 lockdown. (Image: Newsquest)

“It adds that extra layer of pressure so it’s not always easy and I shouldn’t be under this sort of pressure at this time of life," he told the Gazette and Herald in August last year.

One year on from the independent ruling, Alan has now announced that he will step down from his role as landlord and enter retirement.

"After 14 incredible years as the landlord of The Crown, Alan is bidding farewell to this chapter of his life," the pub announced on Facebook.

"While we'll miss him dearly, we wish him the happiest of birthdays and all the best in his well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Alan, for everything!"

In celebration of Alan's years of hard work put into the pub, The Crown Aldbourne will be throwing a retirement party for the beloved landlord, complete with live music and great food.

"Alan you will be missed. Thank you so much for your amazing friendly face and kind service," said local pub-goer Cathy Chinery.

"We will all miss seeing your dog and of course you Alan when we come to stay again," added Heather Brown.

Speaking about the future of the pub industry, Alan told the Gazette and Herald: “It’s going to be a shame but in as little as ten years I think big breweries will own all the pubs and everything will be the same.

“It won’t have the heart and character of independent pubs.”