Burnham punters share devastation at Jolly Woodman closure

The Jolly Woodman, on Littleworth Road, announced its closure on Facebook stating it is to close in the new year.

The owners broke the news, writing: "It is with the deepest sadness that I have to inform you that the Jolly Woodman will close its doors for the last time as a public house on Sunday, January 7, 2024."

READ MORE: 'Devastating news' as Jolly Woodman announces closure

Matthew Jaina, 52, from Burnham has been a regular at the Jolly Woodman for five years.

He said: "It is my local, everyone knows everyone - it is an end of an era really."

Upon hearing the news he said he was "horrified".

"I'll be coming here every day until it closes."

Matthew said his highlights have been "all the laughs, functions and bands - everyone is all friends and it is like a big club".

"There are a huge amount of [local] people who come here, 70-80 people.

"You get lots of walkers, lots of new faces [too]."

However, Matthew feels like not enough people are supporting local pubs.

Robert Cooke, 76, from Burnham, said: "It is very much a country pub for punters of the county who have been patrons to this pub for generations.

"People have been left very frustrated and very angry. We don't know where to go from here."

Robert has been visiting the Jolly Woodman for 20 years and said the pub has adapted through the years and overcome challenges faced by Covid.

"The pub survived and got back on its feet again and it's as if someone has pulled the rug from underneath your feet.

"It's just astonishing that it is happening, a lot of people are bemused about what is happening."

The Jolly Woodman is the oldest pub in the area, having first believed to have been granted a license in 1832.

Robert added: "It has to be said things do change with time, but there are some things that should be held of great value to any society and as a social aspect to anybody's life, a pub is a very important social aspect.

"Not enough is being done [to save pubs].

"I have loads of fond memories here, made a lot of new friends, enjoyed some lovely food.

"A pub is a meeting place initially, and this one tops the list.

"You meet people from all walks of life, you won't have any trouble in this little place. It ticks all the boxes."

Duncan Edwards, 71, from Hazelmere, often visits the Jolly Woodman after playing golf at Hedsor with his friends.

He said it always has a "nice friendly atmosphere" where everyone talks and becomes friends.

"We have been coming here for four to five years but that is partly because of how we are treated. People actually speak to you.

"It is like a community centre," he added.

Another visitor of the pub who wished to stay anonymous shared their worries.

He said: "It is another pub that is going to go forever and it will never come back."

The pub has been approached for comment.