The Hollow Bottom Pub, located in the picturesque Cotswold village of Guiting Power, has long been a hub for the horse racing community, especially following major victories at the nearby Cheltenham Racecourse. Just 10 miles east of the racecourse, this pub was not just a place to drink but a venue where triumphs were toasted and memories made.

Jo Collinson, a groom who worked with trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, recalls the electrifying atmosphere of the pub when Imperial Commander, a horse she cared for, won the Gold Cup in 2010. "The celebration was just as amazing as Gold Cup day itself," she said. The pub was so crowded that "people were on the flat roof above the door, and cars couldn't get through on the road."

The pub has seen several changes in ownership. It was previously closed in 2019 but was revived by the Lucky Onion, a hospitality group. Young's, the current owner, decided to close the pub after a thorough review of their plans. "We would like to thank the local community for their support over the last five years," a spokesperson for Young's stated.

For many, like Ms. Collinson, the Hollow Bottom was more than a pub; it was a place where lifelong friendships were forged and celebrated. "A piece of my heart will always be at the Hollow Bottom," she expressed, reminiscing about the Christmas parties and birthday celebrations that marked her time there.

The closure of the Hollow Bottom Pub signifies the end of a significant chapter for the local horse racing community and leaves a void in the hearts of those who considered it a second home.