Shut village pub car park filled with 'scrap cars'

A MAN with family connections to a historic closed pub, where a world famous drink was invented, has raised concerns over its “eyesore” closed car park filled with “scrap cars”.

The visitor – a descendent of the Horlick family, who created the globally famous malt drink on the site of Ruardean’s Malt Shovel pub – said he was horrified to see what appeared to be a “scrapyard” beside the derelict pub.

The Forest Council have confirmed the situation is part of “an ongoing enforcement matter”, but were “unable to comment further at this stage”.

According to reports, the Malt Shovel – thought to be one of the UK’s oldest, dating back as far as the early 12th Century – closed down in 2023 amid struggles following the pandemic.

Its owner has previously been named as Mark Dew, who has been locked in enforcement battles with Herefordshire Council for a decade over his large collection of ‘classic cars’ at Doward Farm, Whitchurch, three miles west of Monmouth.

The local authority there served another enforcement notice at the start of 2026 demanding the removal of some 30 “old/scrap cars, vans and non-agricultural vehicles”.

Opposite the Ruardean pub is Horlick House, which hosts a blue plaque to represent William and James Horlick, who grew up there.

The visitor to the village, who did not wish to be named, said: “This should be a heritage site and instead it’s been turned into an eyesore.

“Surely the people of Ruardean deserve better than this. What’s the district council doing about it?

“I couldn’t believe it. The pub is derelict and the parking area has been turned into a scrapyard in the middle of the town. It’s an absolute scandal.

“The Forest of Dean should be treasuring its historical sites and not allowing them to fall into such an embarrassing state.”

Reviews of the pub online refer to a “rather bizarre array of vehicles in the car park” with many “rusting relics”.

The visitor contacted Forest of Dean’s MP Matt Bishop to express his concerns, who said: “I’m aware of the concerns raised about the condition of the Malt Shovel car park and the impact this is having on the local area, particularly given its history and heritage.

“My office is making enquiries to establish what steps are being taken to address these concerns.

“I understand that the Forest of Dean Council is involved and looking at how it can support a resolution, and I have asked to be kept updated on any developments.”

Social media groups have called the Malt Shovel an “historic and socially important pub” and without it, Ruardean has “lost its heart”.

Attempts were made to contact the current owner of the pub and car park.

Were you a patron of the pub? Has its closure affected you? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment or email [email protected]

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