By Press Association 2021 Staff outside The Olive Branch in Clipsham, Rutland, which has been named as UK Pub of the Year Pubs are facing their “darkest moments” amid continued restrictions, lockdowns, closures and job losses, an expert has warned. Thousands of pubs have described this year as a “total nightmare” after working hard to reopen after the initial lockdown, only to be told to close again, said the Good Pub Guide. The annual publication said the closure of all pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes in March was the first in the UK’s history. The guide said the industry was facing the darkest of moments, and asked if it could be the end of the great British pub.