A stark new online tool has laid bare the extreme financial pressure facing Britain's beloved pubs, ranking them by how severely they could be hit by looming business rate increases. The website, ismypubfucked.com, uses official government data to create a heat map and index of venues across England, categorising them from 'fine' to 'absolutely fucked'.
The Data Behind the Dire Predictions
The platform was created by Ben Guerin, co-founder of the creative agency Topham Guerin. An avid pub fan, Guerin designed the site to highlight which community locals are most in need of public support. It draws its alarming figures from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), pinpointing the pubs that will be most affected by proposed hikes to business rates.
Pubs facing a potential rate increase of more than 200% are branded "absolutely fucked". The colour-coded system uses green for 'fine', yellow for 'feeling it', orange for 'struggling', red for 'fucked', and a black circle with a red outline for the most critical category.
The Pubs Facing the Biggest Financial Blow
The site reveals some eye-watering projected increases. Topping the national list as the most 'fucked' pub is The Victoria Inn in Gloucester, which confronts a potential 673% rate hike, equating to an extra £25,000.
However, the dubious honour of the largest percentage increase goes to The Bertie Arms in Stamford, near Peterborough. According to the site, its rates could skyrocket by a staggering 1,944%, or £43,750. In terms of sheer monetary value, The Longwall in Oxford could be hit hardest, with a possible £630,000 increase (a 94% rise).
London's most at-risk pub is The Beaten Docket in Cricklewood, ranking eighth nationally. It faces an 'absolutely fucked' 431% rise, adding £138,000 to its bill. It is followed in the capital by Deptford's Dog and Bell and Brockley's Wickham Arms.
Rates Are Just One Part of a Perfect Storm
While the government is expected to adjust how business rates are calculated, potentially softening the blow, the website's creator stresses this is only one facet of a wider crisis. Guerin notes that rising wages, higher National Insurance, increased alcohol duty, soaring energy costs, and reduced customer spending are all converging to create a catastrophe for the hospitality sector.
"This tool exists to shine a light on what pubs are up against – and to help you find one near you that could use your support," Guerin stated. The site ultimately serves as both a stark warning and a call to action for communities to rally around their local pubs before last orders are called for good.
