Joseph Ballard from the Black Swan Pub & Theatre in North Walsham was back on BBC Radio Norfolk this week, discussing the pressures facing pubs and the wider hospitality industry — and whether potential Government support could offer some much-needed help to the sector.
Joseph, who runs the Black Swan Pub & Theatre and is CEO of not-for-profit New Stages Projects, joined the conversation as pubs across the country continue to face increasing costs and uncertainty.
The discussion looked at the pressures facing hospitality businesses, the importance of pubs to their communities and recent Government announcements around business rates and potential further support for the sector.
The Government has recognised the particular pressures facing pubs, with eligible pubs receiving a 15% reduction in their business rates bills during 2026/27. It has also announced a further 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs and qualifying live music venues from April 2027.
The Government estimates the measures will provide significant savings for thousands of pubs across England.
There has also been further news this week, with the Government announcing a review into the way pubs and hotels are valued for business rates, looking at whether the current system properly reflects the realities of operating businesses within the hospitality industry.
Speaking on BBC Radio Norfolk, Joseph discussed the reality behind the figures and the many different costs involved in keeping a pub open.
“Any support for pubs is welcome, and it’s encouraging to see the Government recognising just how much pressure the hospitality industry is under,” said Joseph.
“But business rates are only one part of a much bigger picture. The cost of employing people, buying stock, energy, insurance and simply opening the doors every day has increased enormously.
“People can look at the price of a pint or a meal and assume there must be a big profit margin there, but the reality for independent pubs can be very different once all those costs are taken into account.”
More than just somewhere for a pint
Joseph also highlighted the changing role of pubs and the importance they can play in towns and villages.
“At their best, pubs are community spaces. They provide employment, bring people together, tackle isolation, support local suppliers and performers and give people somewhere to meet and belong.
“They’re not simply somewhere you go for a pint anymore. Pubs can be entertainment venues, meeting places, places to eat, places to see live music and theatre and somewhere that helps bring life into our high streets and town centres.”
That philosophy has been central to the development of the Black Swan in North Walsham, where the traditional pub operates alongside a theatre and a growing programme of entertainment and community activities.
Regular activities include quizzes, bingo, live entertainment, community events and theatre performances, alongside food and drink in the pub.
Doing everything we can to keep people coming through the doors
Joseph added:
“It’s great that the Government has finally recognised that pubs are under real pressure, and these announcements are certainly a move in the right direction. Any support is welcome and encouraging, but business rates are only one thing on a very long list of pressures facing pubs and the wider hospitality industry.
“What is also important is recognising just how valuable pubs and venues are to their communities. They bring people together, provide entertainment, create jobs, support local suppliers and performers and give people somewhere to meet and belong.
“At the Black Swan we’re doing as much as we possibly can. We’ve got regular events alongside one-off shows in the theatre, Sunday roasts, community activities and live entertainment.
“Tonight, for example, sees the launch of our new Friday Night Live, which will take place on the last Friday of every month, with karaoke, games and plenty of Friday-night fun. We’ve also got our popular Sunday roast this weekend and we’re open over the Bank Holiday.
We also offer coffees, milkshakes, light lunches and Rudono Pizza on site to eat-in or take away. We are always looking at what we offer.
“We’re constantly looking at what else we can do to give people another reason to visit, while keeping the pub at the heart of the community.”
Support your local
It’s an important time right now to get behind your local pub, wherever you live.
“Ultimately, pubs can only keep doing what they do if people support them. And that doesn’t necessarily mean spending lots of money.
“Wherever you live, support your local pub in whatever way you can. Pop in for a coffee or a drink, have something to eat, attend an event, bring a friend, share their posts on social media or simply tell somebody about something they’ve got coming up.
“Every visit, every ticket, every meal, every shared post and every recommendation helps.
“If we want pubs to remain at the heart of our towns and villages, we all have a part to play in supporting them. So this weekend, wherever you are, go and support your local.”
The Black Swan Pub and Theatre has a lot going on from regular events to shows and classes. Check out our What’s On page here.
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