URGENT UPDATE: Ed Sheeran’s trendy restaurant, Bertie Blossoms, is the latest casualty of the ongoing pub crisis in the UK, with reported debts soaring to nearly £1.3 million. The establishment, located on Portobello Road in West London, has struggled to turn a profit since its inception in September 2019, exacerbated by the challenges presented during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Accounts filed in December reveal that the business, operated through That Dive Bar Portobello, disclosed net current liabilities of £1.3 million as of December 2024, with losses increasing by £763,000 since the end of 2021. Staff numbers have dwindled to just five, down from ten in 2020, reflecting the severe impact of the pandemic on operations.
The restaurant, named in honor of Sheeran’s wife Cherry Seaborn, has drawn criticism for its high prices and quality, with diners describing £19 dishes as reminiscent of “second-rate microwave meals.” Customer reviews on TripAdvisor highlight dissatisfaction with limited menu options and food quality, leading to a tarnished reputation.
As two pubs a day close across the UK, calls for action grow louder. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage recently unveiled plans to alleviate the crisis, proposing to reduce VAT for the hospitality sector to 10%. This initiative aims to combat the financial struggles that have led to the closure of thousands of pubs over the last decade.
In addition to VAT reductions, Reform UK intends to abolish business rates for pubs and cut beer duty by 10%. These measures are designed to provide immediate relief to struggling establishments, including Bertie Blossoms.
The plight of the UK pub industry is stark. According to the British Beer and Pub Association, the number of pubs has plummeted from 69,000 in 1980 to just 46,350 in 2021. The Campaign for Real Ale reported that approximately 1,000 pubs closed in 2025 alone.
Critics argue that policies from both major political parties have failed to protect this cultural institution. Reform MP Lee Anderson emphasized that the loss of a single pub signifies much more than just a financial loss; it represents a blow to community spirit and heritage.
Earlier this month, the Chancellor announced a £100 million rescue package for landlords, including a 15% reduction in business rates for England. However, many in the industry believe these measures are insufficient to stave off further closures.
As Bertie Blossoms faces an uncertain future, the implications extend beyond Sheeran’s establishment. The broader impact on the hospitality sector continues to raise alarms, and the urgency for effective solutions is palpable.
What’s Next: The restaurant’s fate hangs in the balance as Sheeran and his team navigate these turbulent waters. Meanwhile, the public waits to see if proposed measures from Reform UK will gain traction and provide the necessary support to save not just Bertie Blossoms, but countless other pubs across the nation. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
