'Torquay's oldest pub' confirms closure

After weeks of speculation, The Hole in the Wall, known as Torquay’s oldest pub, has announced it will cease trading next month.

The pub, located on Park Lane near Torquay’s harbourfront, warned that it was at serious risk of closure due to financial difficulties in February 2025.

Management said they had until mid-April to get their affairs in order or face permanent closure.

The pub told Torbay Weekly that its financial struggles stemmed partly from rising supplier costs and months of roadworks along the Strand.

In a public Facebook announcement today, the Hole in the Wall team confirmed “with great sadness” that the pub will close on Sunday, 13 April 2025.

Their statement reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce that the Hole In The Wall will cease trading from the close of Sunday, 13th April 2025. We'd like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created, to add to the centuries' more storied history here at the Hole. Whilst every attempt has been made to contact customers who have bookings with us on Dojo for after this date, not everyone has been reached as yet, but we'll keep trying.”

Following the announcement, people have begun sharing their disappointment about the news, recalling fond memories of their time in the pub.

Others have voiced concerns over the future of other pubs in the area, questioning whether other well-loved venues can survive in the current climate. Some have expressed hope that new owners may step in to save the establishment.