The Sparsholt, a pub and restaurant nestled in the tiny Oxfordshire hamlet of Sparsholt near Wantage, is set to close its doors permanently just days before Christmas.
Formerly known as The Star Inn, the food and drink venue will welcome its final guests this Sunday, 22 December.
Read more: The Star Inn in Sparsholt to reopen after extensive refurbishment programme
A sister restaurant of The Woodspeen in Newbury, The Sparsholt described itself as “at the heart of a uniquely historic landscape”.
Positioned near the ancient Ridgeway, it prided itself on offering a seasonal menu in a tranquil, off-the-beaten-track setting, with the added charm of rooms for overnight stays.
However, WSH Restaurants, the owners of The Sparsholt, have announced that economic difficulties have necessitated the closure.
A spokesperson for WSH Restaurants said: “The hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges in the current economic environment.
“Following two years of investment and despite our best efforts, we have taken the difficult decision to close The Sparsholt in December 2024.”
The spokesperson emphasised that their priority is the well-being of the team: “We are working hard to support the team of five and redeploy them where possible in other areas of the business.”
WSH Restaurants is known for its unique collection of dining establishments, each celebrated for exceptional food and warm, skilful service.
Its portfolio includes The Woodspeen and The Boxford in Berkshire, The Clockspire near Sherborne in Dorset, and the recently opened Braywood near Maidenhead. The Braywood, located at the former Royal Oak site in Paley Street, benefits from access to the Elizabeth Line in London.
Looking ahead, WSH Restaurants plans to launch a new modern British restaurant in the former site of Monica and David Galetti’s Mere in London’s Fitzrovia in early spring 2025.
WSH, the parent company of WSH Restaurants, remains committed to its mission of delivering exceptional hospitality through its diverse hospitality and catering brands including Benugo, Searcys, BaxterStorey, Holroyd Howe, and Genuine Dining, a food service business it acquired in September.
The closure marks the end of an era for a venue that has been a cherished retreat for locals and visitors alike.
