A village pub is in danger of closing down after its marquee was vandalised as the landlord admits to major financial strains.
The owner of The Manor Garsington revealed the future of the pub is at risk following damage to a £27k marquee on top of high electricity bills.
Xhetan Bushi, who also owns Oxo Bar in Oxford and The Baron in Cowley Road, said has spent a quarter of a million pounds at the pub during his time but he is 50/50 on keeping it open.
In February the pub bought a £9k tent but it was blown away during Storm Henk forcing the owners to fork out more money on a sturdier marquee.
However, two days after putting the marquee up it has been targeted by vandals who have slashed the sides.
It is believed to have happened between 8am and 12:30pm yesterday (March 17), according to the pub’s management team.
Xhetan Bushi, who also owns Oxo Bar in Oxford and The Baron in Cowley Road, said: “Someone has come at it with a knife or a sharp subject to slash it in eight or nine places.”
When asked if he knew who could have done it, he said: “We have no clue.”
He went on to add it has been “hard surviving” in the current climate with the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy bills.
The pub’s energy bills have totalled £39,700 for the past eight months, which the owner described as “mental”.
He also revealed that the marquee wasn’t insured and the pub doesn’t have CCTV in that area.
Talking about the future of the pub, Mr Bushi said: “I am actually like 50/50. I am torn apart because I have a good team and they work hard and they enjoy working here.
“To try and decide between them and closing it down as financially it is not working.
“Everything I am trying, it feels like everything is going against me.
“We have invested almost a quarter of a million pounds inside and we have done it from scratch. It looks amazing and has big potential but unfortunately, we find ourselves hitting a rock every time we try to go forward.
“After this news yesterday, I have to meet with the management. It is draining me out, to be honest.”
A public statement from the pub said “Rising costs and tighter budgets have forced us to constantly adapt our approach to keep our doors open.
"Yet, with the unwavering dedication of our team, we've managed to keep the spirit of Manor alive.
“In recent months, we have embarked on a new venture, adding a marquee to expand our space for gatherings and celebrations.
“Unfortunately, our first attempt was foiled by a storm, and now, our second marquee has been maliciously vandalised this Sunday morning.
“After investing upwards of fifty thousand pounds, it's a devastating blow, to say the least.
As we work with local authorities to address this senseless act, we're turning to our community for support.
“Any information you can provide to assist in the investigation would mean the world to us. And we want to assure you that your anonymity will be fully protected.
“Let's stand strong, rebuild, and continue creating memories together at Manor. Your support is not just appreciated, it's what keeps us going.”
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