UK Pub Open Since 793 AD Set to Close

A pub that claims to be the oldest in the UK is closing shop.

The Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St.

Albans, England, says its doors have been open since approx 793 AD.

In the 1,229 years since, it's served up drinks through centuries of wars, disease, religious reformations, and industrialization.

But it couldn't survive the financial woes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Along with my team, I have tried everything to keep the pub going,' said landlord Christo Tofalli, via Facebook.

'However, the past two years have been unprecedented for the hospitality industry, and have defeated all of us who have been trying our hardest to ensure this multi-award-winning pub could continue trading into the future.'

In an interview with CNN, Tofalli said he is hoping one rich philanthropist might come forward who's willing '[to] throw 2 to 3 million quid to put it in the right shape for the next 1,000 years for everybody to enjoy,' even if the benefactor 'wouldn't get a return on it.'