A celebrity chef-backed pub will close its doors for good in just hours, after the TV personality spoke out about the industry's struggles last month.

Glynn Purnell, who is a regular on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen, said that rising running costs and increasing food and energy prices had contributed to the closure in a "challenging" market. Staff will serve customers for the last time today, March 15, at his venture, The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley in Arden, Warwickshire. He said in a statement: "After four wonderful years, the very tough decision has been made to close The Mount."

"The hospitality landscape has become increasingly challenging, and despite everyone's hard work, it's simply not sustainable to continue. I'm hugely grateful for the opportunity and for the commitment shown throughout. I wish the owners every success for the future."

The owners ultimately made the decision to close the business, stating it was "no longer financially viable" due to the rising costs. They confirmed that all staff would be supported, and that all suppliers would be paid.

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make. We are so proud of what The Mount has achieved since opening in March 2022 and of the team who have worked tirelessly to make it such a welcoming and well-regarded pub," they said in a statement.

"However, with the continued rise in operating costs- from food and drink to energy and general overheads- it has become clear that the business is no longer viable."

The closure comes just four years after it opened on March 30, 2022, to serve simple dishes freshly prepared with local produce.

The wider industry has taken a severe hit in recent years. Since 2010, the UK has lost around 7,000 pubs, roughly a 15% reduction.

Across the sector, bosses have warned that rising energy, food and wage costs are making it almost impossible to continue. The hospitality sector has been one of the hardest hit by the minimum wage increase.

Rachel Reeves announced a support package in January, by giving pubs a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April, and a two-year real-terms freeze. However, critics said it did not go far enough.

But Tim Martin, chairman of JD Wetherspoon, previously said Ms Reeves should cut the taxes on groceries, just like supermarkets.

Asked what his message to the Chancellor would be, Mr Martin said "if you truly value pubs you have to create a level playing field. Supermarkets are incredibly powerful and profitable."

He continued: "You tax pubs more than them- we pay 20% vat on food. They pay zero. We pay 25p rates per pint they pay about 2p. Anything less than equality will see pubs gradually (or maybe rapidly) decline relative to supermarkets."