This pub was built when years were 3 digits long!

So there really are businesses called “Ye Olde” something!  And this one is shutting down — sort of.

The owner of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, a British pub that claims to be the oldest in the country, has said that it’s closing its doors for good after the pandemic left it in financial turmoil.

“Along with my team, I have tried everything to keep the pub going,” says owner Christo Tofalli. “However, the past two years have been unprecedented for the hospitality industry, and have defeated all of us who have been trying our hardest to ensure this multi-award-winning pub could continue trading into the future.”

According to England’s tourist board, the St. Albans-based pub was constructed way back in 739 AD (WAY before the big one-oh-oh-oh!), after which it was used as a pigeon house.

But the fact is that they’re hoping to reopen with new owners, who the current owners hope will keep the spirit of the place going.

In other words, it better not become a Starbucks.