The Goat’s Head, Abbots Bromley: A traditional pub bucking the national trend
As thousands of pubs across the UK continue to close their doors amid rising costs and changing consumer habits, The Goat’s Head in Abbots Bromley stands proudly as an example of how going “back to basics” can still draw a crowd — and turn a profit.
This year, The Goat’s Head has reported a 10% increase in revenue for 2025, a remarkable achievement in a sector facing one of the toughest trading environments in decades. The secret? According to landlord Ian Hillman, it’s all about returning to what a great British pub has always been about — good beer, honest bar snacks, and genuine hospitality.
“We’ve focused on keeping things simple,” said Ian, landlord of The Goat’s Head. “We serve excellent local ales, fantastic cobs, great sausage rolls and pork pies, and make sure everyone who walks through the door feels at home. It’s about creating a place people want to come back to — week after week.”
The pub’s success hasn’t just come from its traditional charm. Its monthly live music and street food events have become a highlight on the Abbots Bromley calendar, drawing visitors from across Staffordshire. Featuring local musicians and independent food vendors, these evenings bring the community together in a way that few venues still manage to do.
But even with this success, The Goat’s Head and pubs like it are under pressure. Rising energy bills, supplier costs, and staffing challenges continue to bite — and the current rate of VAT remains a particular burden on the hospitality sector. Industry leaders and publicans alike are calling on the government to take meaningful action in the upcoming Autumn Budget, with targeted VAT reform seen as a crucial step to help preserve the UK’s remaining pubs.
“We’re proud to be doing well,” Ian added, “but it’s getting harder every year. The VAT system is crippling for small, independent pubs like ours. If the government is serious about protecting British heritage and community spaces, they need to act now.”
For the people of Abbots Bromley, The Goat’s Head has become more than just a pub — it’s a reminder that the traditional village local still has a vital role to play in British life. And with the right support, it’s proof that the Great British Pub can still thrive in 2025 and beyond.
