The Castle Hotel and Brazz Brasserie in Taunton have announced adjustments to their opening hours from next week, writes Phil Hill.
The owners say they are blaming the cuts on sustained financial pressures facing the independent hospitality sector.
The Castle has become one of Somerset’s most established hospitality venues, being owned and operated by the Chapman family for the past 75 years.
But they say that, like many small independent businesses across the UK, it is now navigating an unprecedented convergence of economic pressures.
They claim increases in business rates, employment taxation, National Insurance contributions, and minimum wage legislation over the past decade have steadily raised operating costs across the industry.
And they believe recent fiscal measures have further intensified these pressures, placing additional strain on small, family-run establishments.
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A spokesperson for The Castle said: “Independent hospitality businesses have absorbed rising costs for years.
"The cumulative impact of policy changes across successive governments, combined with recent fiscal tightening, has made the current environment particularly challenging.
"At the same time, we are seeing a clear shift in customer behaviour.
"Weekday dining has softened, discretionary spending has become more cautious, and hospitality patterns are evolving.
"As owners of The Castle, our responsibility is to protect its long-term future.
"The adjustments we are making are about safeguarding quality, protecting jobs, and ensuring we remain a strong, independent business for decades to come.”
From Monday, March 2, 2026, Brazz Brasserie will close for weekday lunches, Sunday to Thursday and on Sundays entirely, while continuing to operate dinner service Monday to Saturday and full service at weekends.
Breakfast, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and events operations at The Castle Hotel will continue as usual.
The Castle’s function spaces, including Castle Bow, the Music Room, and the Garden and Wisteria Rooms, remain available for weddings, private events, and corporate gatherings.
The spokesperson added: “Industry commentators note that independent hospitality businesses across the UK are facing similar decisions as rising employment costs and changing consumer behaviour reshape trading patterns, particularly during weekday periods.
"The Castle emphasises that these measures are proactive rather than reactive and are designed to protect the business’s sustainability while maintaining the standards for which it is known.”
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