By Isle of Wight Observer
One of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic thatched buildings, the 600-year-old Sun Inn at Hulverstone, is set to close its doors later this month.
Landlords, Charlotte and Nick Edwards, who took over the lease in August 2024, have announced their departure on January 18, citing ongoing issues with the building’s maintenance, including the thatched roof as the reason for their departure..
The news is a significant blow to the West Wight community, which had rallied to save the pub just two years ago, listing it as an asset of community value. This means the building cannot be easily converted into a private residence. If the freehold goes up for sale, the community now has a “right to bid,” giving local residents six months to raise funds to buy and run the pub themselves.
The Edwards expressed frustration with the company they rent the pub from. According to the landlords, the historic thatch is “not in good shape,” and despite repeated pleas for maintenance, the owners “just do not seem to care.”
“This is not a case of a greedy brewery,” the couple clarified on Facebook. “It is a simple case of arguments with the person we rent the pub off about the roof… It is not down to us to sort out.”
The couple, who worked to maintain the Sun Inn as a “proper traditional community pub,” thanked their regulars for their support.
They urged locals to visit one last time for their “glorious roast dinners” and a seat by the fire before the January 18 deadline.
Character Inns operated The Sun Inn for several years. However, they tried to dispose of the lease in early 2024. At the time, the group cited a high annual rent and ongoing negotiations with the brewery as reasons for moving on.
Charlotte and Nick Edwards may not be leaving the Island’s hospitality scene for long. The pair have hinted at a new project.