A stark new analysis has officially crowned London's 'most f***ed' pubs, with one beloved east London local staring down a business rates increase of more than 600% that its owner says will force its closure.
The 'Most F***ed' Pub in London
The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green tops a newly published list with a staggering 632.1% hike in its rateable value. This surge, calculated from official Valuation Office Agency data by the website ismypubf***ed.com, translates to an eye-watering extra £70,800 per year in costs for owner Andy Kerr.
Kerr told Metro the increase was "absolutely crazy," noting that while his 60-seat pub is popular and packed at weekends, the new financial burden is insurmountable. "How can I possibly afford this? I’ll have no choice but to close the business," he said, adding that selling it would be nearly impossible with rates set so high.
The 'F***ed Pub Index' Reveals Widespread Pain
The analysis, which compares the 2023 Rating List with the draft 2026 list, creates a so-called 'F***ed Pub Index' (FPI). Pubs facing increases over 200% are deemed "Absolutely F***ed," while those with 100-200% hikes are "F***ed," and 50-100% rises categorise them as "Struggling."
The Sun Tavern is not alone. A host of other London venues face similarly devastating rises:
- The Spread Eagle, Wandsworth – 622.4% increase
- Nags Head Peckham – 613.3% increase
- The Bank of Friendship, Highbury – 537.8% increase
- The Clarence Tavern, Stoke Newington – 514% increase
- The Pelton Arms, Greenwich – 479% increase
Kerr highlighted the disproportionate nature of his increase, pointing out that his pub has a significantly smaller square footage than others in the area facing far lower hikes. The second-highest increase in east London, for the Fox and Hounds, is 362.2%—still nearly half of what The Sun Tavern must find.
Industry at a 'Tipping Point'
The crisis comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed being "particularly concerned" about the impact of business rates on pubs. The situation is set to intensify in April when Covid-era relief officially ends and sites are revalued.
The warning signs for the sector are severe. A new Survation poll for the UK Spirits Alliance suggests nearly three in ten UK pubs (around 11,000 venues) fear they may not survive next year. Furthermore, the British Beer and Pub Association has warned the Chancellor that pubs are at a tipping point, with one predicted to close every day this year.
Andy Kerr lamented the lack of communication, stating, "No one has come out to see me or talk to me about the increases, so I don’t understand why ours has gone up so much." While his business is currently busy, he acknowledged many others are "living hand to mouth," making them even more vulnerable to the looming rate revaluation.
