‘This will be our last Christmas at The Hares’: Stourbridge pub landlords to call it a day as costs spiral
The landlords of a Stourbridge pub have said this Christmas will be their last running the popular Hare & Hounds due to spiralling costs.
Mitchell Bolton, who runs the pub in Wynall Lane, Wollescote, with partner Katy, announced the news in a post on Facebook - saying they will be leaving in July 2026 after eight years at the helm of the community local.
He said he’s “heartbroken beyond belief” to be leaving but said running the pub is “no longer financially viable” for them due to an increase in business rates and other rising costs.
Mitchell said reaching the decision has been a “hard pill to swallow” but he told how a Valuation Office Agency (VOA) increase of more than £10,000 and other spiralling expenses have made it impossible to continue.
