'The Archers' inspiration pub The Bull Inn in Rippingale to close
A pub that was the likely inspiration for long-running hit Radio 4 show The Archers is closing.
John Smith, landlord of The Bull Inn in Rippingale, reportedly made the announcement to locals on Thursday evening (February 20) with last orders being called the following day.
People have taken to the village’s Facebook page to express their shock at the loss of a community asset.
Chris Charlton, chairman of Rippingale Parish Council, told the Mercury he had been in the pub when the announcement was made.
It is understood the decision was made for financial reasons with the pub simply not proving profitable enough.
“It’s a terrible shame,” Chris said. “It’s the heart of the village and on South Kesteven District Council’s protected assets register.
“It’s always that balance. People will moan about it closing but they haven’t actually used it that much. As with most pubs, the restaurant side is where you’ve got to make the money these days.”
Mr Smith has been unavailable for comment.
Many believe the pub was the inspiration behind the The Bull in the fictional farming village of Ambridge, where The Archers is based.
Created as part of the BBC’s post-war drive to promote agriculture and farming, the popular soap opera first aired in 1950 and is still running to this day.
Rippingale locals say it came about after a nearby farmer, Henry Burtt, suggested at a national conference that the BBC should produce a radio programme about a farming community but with the drama of hit show Dick Barton Secret Agent.
The idea captivated one of the BBC’s producers who was invited on a tour of Rippingale by Mr Burtt.
The farmer reportedly explained to him the importance of farming to the livelihoods of the community demonstrating that a drought or crop disease could spark as much drama as any secret agent’s escapades.
However, the Rippingale pub isn’t the only one claiming to be the inspiration behind The Archers.
The Old Bull in the Worcestershire village of Inkberrow has made a similar claim to fame as the show is set in that county.
